Rugby Australia leaves door open for another NRL star to switch codes

Wests Tigers co-captain Jarome Luai could become the latest NRL star to switch codes ahead of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, with Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh declaring “the door’s always open.”

Luai will leave the Tigers after the 2026 NRL season, before linking up with expansion club the PNG Chiefs in a couple of years. There’s a 12-month window where Luai remains uncontracted, although the Parramatta Eels, Perth Bears and rugby union loom as potential landing spots.

Rugby Australia haven’t ruled out a move for Luai, who could potentially jump codes in time for next year’s World Cup with the Wallabies, as revealed by The Daily Telegraph’s Brent Read on NRL 360 this week.

Luai is a two-time Rugby League World Cup representative with Samoa and a four-time NRL Premiership winner with the Penrith Panthers. The 29-year-old has also played for New South Wales in State of Origin, making a dozen appearances for the Blues over five years.

“Our proposition is very different to an NRL proposition and our door’s always open,” Waugh said, as reported by The Daily Telegraph and CODE Sports.

“We want to create an environment that attracts the best talent in Australia and around the world, and the door’s always open for those that want to come and experience that experience.”

Luai could potentially join a decent list of NRL converts who have either made the switch to rugby union, or returned to the 15-player coach. Crichton and Zac Lomax both agreed to deals with Rugby Australia earlier this year,  with Lomax already linking up with the Western Force.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii made a high-profile code switch in late 2024, earning Player of the Match honours on debut for the Wallabies against England. The centre was later named the Rookie of the Year at the 2025 Rugby Australia Awards.

Carter Gordon secured a move back to rugby union last October after signing with NRL side the Gold Coast Titans, having played two Tests since returning. Tom Wright is another Wallaby with NRL experience, having played for the Sea Eagles before joining the ACT Brumbies.

Mark Nawawaqnaitawase, who was the top try-scorer in the NRL last season and just helped New South Wales in the State of Origin Shield, is heading back to rugby union after signing with Japan Rugby League One powerhouse Saitama Wild Knights.

“It’s a huge honour to join the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights from the 2026-27 season,” Nawaqanitawase said in a statement.

“They are a very strong team that has experienced a lot of success, and it is a club which carries a rich history. I am looking forward to becoming part of the Wild Knights and I am looking forward to what we can build together in the future.”

The Wallabies are just days away from their final Test under coach Joe Schmidt, with Les Kiss set to take over ahead of a match against Eddie Jones’ Japan next month. This appointment was announced during last year’s Super Rugby Pacific season.

Following defeats to Six Nations heavyweights Ireland and France, the Wallabies have turned their focus to what looms as another difficult matchup. The Aussies have lost their last two against Italy, but will look to snap that streak at Perth’s HBF Park on Saturday.