Cooper Bai holds PNG talks as Titans confirm 2027 exit
Gold Coast have allowed the forward to discuss a 2028 move before 1 November, but his agent says no decision has been made.
Cooper Bai has arrived in Port Moresby for discussions with the PNG Chiefs after Gold Coast confirmed he would leave the Titans when his contract ends in 2027. The Titans said his management had advised them he would not extend his stay.
Gold Coast gave Bai approval to speak with rival clubs about 2028 before 1 November. His agent, Anthony Field, said the visit had been arranged around a family holiday, with the family arriving a day early to meet the Chiefs.
Field said Bai remained contracted for next year and had not settled his plans for 2028. He said the forward would hear the club’s proposal and consider the experience before making a decision. A hamstring injury has ruled Bai out of the PNG Kumuls’ World Cup campaign.
Chiefs recruit Jarome Luai backed the pursuit, praising Bai’s ability and suggesting his Papua New Guinean heritage could make the visit meaningful. Luai and Brian To’o arrived in Port Moresby with Samoa ahead of their World Cup match against the Kumuls.
Titans coach Josh Hannay praised Bai’s development over the past 12 months while pointing to other emerging forwards. He identified Bodhi Sharpley, Viliami Fifita and Torino Jackson as players the club believes could become important squad members.
