Daly Cherry-Evans Linked to PNG Chiefs Amid Lomax Transfer Rumors

Daly Cherry-Evans' name is linked to the PNG Chiefs amid transfer rumors surrounding Zac Lomax, a former NRL winger, on 15 July 2026. The PNG Chiefs have tabled an offer to Lomax to join the club for their inaugural season in 2028.

What happened?

The Parramatta Eels have secured the services of Jarome Luai on a one-year deal for 2027, per Michael Carayannis, on 14 July 2026. Luai will link up with Mitchell Moses in the halves at the Eels before making the move to the PNG Chiefs in 2028. The Tigers are expected to pay $500,000 of Luai's contract.

Why it matters for Daly Cherry-Evans

The Eels' decision to allow Lomax to join the Chiefs could impact Daly Cherry-Evans' future at the club. Lomax is currently playing rugby union for the Western Force in Perth, having signed a two-year deal with them following a public court case with the Parramatta Eels.

What comes next?

The PNG Chiefs have reportedly told Lomax he can join them in 2028, but Lomax has reportedly told the Storm he had no interest in breaking his contract with the Western Force, instead keen to represent Australia in the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Should Lomax sign with the Chiefs, he would join Jarome Luai, Connor Watson, Alex Johnston, and Englishman Matty Lees as PNG signings.

The Melbourne Storm have continued to bolster their squad ahead of the 2027 season, having confirmed the signing of Bronson Xerri on 10 July 2026. The Bulldogs' centre has signed a three-year contract with the Victorian club, seeing him join Jamayne Isaako as their new arrivals.

The Wests Tigers have reportedly granted co-captain Jarome Luai permission to leave the club at the end of the season on 9 July 2026. The Tigers told Luai he was free to leave last week, despite having a year left on his contract. Luai is set to link up with the PNG Chiefs in 2028 as their inaugural signing.

The club has been on a re-signing spree, locking up key talent like Jahream Bula, Terrell, and Taylan May, and Sunia Turuva, and are looking to re-sign the Fainu Brothers; Samuela, Sione, and Latu. The club has also signed Jake Averillo for next season, with the five-eighth shaping as a potential halves option.

category: transfer