Chiefs target Cooper Bai says he isn’t feeling any pressure from his famous father to commit to the fledgling franchise after receiving a personal pitch from Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape.
Gold Coast forward Bai is the son of former premiership-winning Storm winger Marcus Bai, who sits on the Chiefs board. Bai snr said he is prepared to remove himself as a director, if required, to ensure there are no conflicts of interest should Cooper join the club.
The pair had previously fallen out after Bai re-signed with the Titans at a time when his father was urging him to follow in his footsteps and join Melbourne. Now that the 19-year-old is again a free agent – Gold Coast granted him early permission to consider his options for 2028 – the decision about where he plays next will be up to him alone.
“Yeah, 100 per cent,” Bai said in Port Moresby. “My dad’s very passionate, I love that and love everything about it.
“I’m so happy that he’s not putting too much pressure on me. He’s not putting pressure on me at all.
“Whatever I feel is right for it, he’ll just back me and we’ll just go 100 per cent with it.”
Bai met Marape, Chiefs officials and coach Willie Peters for dinner on Wednesday night. He was offered a four-year deal worth $3 million during a trip that also included a family holiday and work for a personal sponsor.
“It was just me going through with my partner and her family, my family and my agent, too,” Bai said.
“Just having a look around and seeing what [it’s like]. I guess you can hear so much stuff, but being able to see it first person is probably the biggest thing. I thought it was really good, what they’re coming through with and [who is] going to be coming. It has its challenges as well, but it also has its benefits. I’m having a look at that and just getting a feel for it.”
The Roosters and Storm are also interested in Bai, considered one of the best young forwards in the NRL. Bai must decide not only which club he wants to join, but whether to seek an immediate release from the Titans if a Sydney team is his preference.
The Titans have indicated they want a player in return if Bai was to choose an existing club, earmarking Roosters prop Lindsay Collins or Melbourne’s Trent Loiero as their preferences.
Bai said his PNG heritage would be a factor in his decision.
“I do have a lot of family here – I guess it does make it a bit attractive, looking at all of that,” Bai said. “But footy is the biggest thing that’s important, playing footy to your best ability. That’s probably the biggest thing on my mind.
“[The Chiefs] have already put together a really good team of absolute superstars. It’s pretty appealing to everyone.”
Bai’s agent, Anthony Field, was involved in the contract talks. On Thursday, Newcastle announced Field would replace Brisbane-bound recruiter Peter O’Sullivan. Field intends to finalise Bai’s future before starting at the Knights.
“Having worked in both club land and as a player agent, I’ve had the opportunity to gain a unique depth of insight into player recruitment and retention at NRL level, and I believe that experience will be a major advantage for the club,” Field said.
Adrian Proszenko travelled to Port Moresby as a guest of the PNG Chiefs.
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