Bai relish first Lae visit

Injured PNG Kumul and Gold Coast Titan forward Cooper Bai spent the weekend in the Morobean Capital of Lae for the first time as a brand ambassador of Trukai.

While in Lae, Bai took time to encourage young Papua New Guineans to work hard and prepare for the historical PNG Chiefs entry into the NRL in 2028.

“This is the time to be playing rugby league in Papua New Guinea, with the Chiefs coming through and the systems coming through,” Bai said.

As a Trukai brand ambassador, Bai also encouraged aspiring players to stay committed and maintain good nutrition to build the strength needed for professional rugby league.

“Continue to work hard and make sure you eat the right kind of rice and fuel your body so you can be big and strong and hopefully be able to put on that Chiefs jersey one day.”

Bai also praised Lae’s welcoming community and acknowledged the city’s importance as an industrial centre contributing to the country’s food supply.

“The community has been very welcoming, and I just feel like I’ve been shown so much love here,” he said.

Prior to traveling to Lae, Bai was given a tour of the PNG Chiefs facilities after the Titans gave him permission to negotiate with the Chiefs for beyond 2027.

Meanwhile, PNG Chiefs Player 001 Jerome Luai mentioned that it would be great for the Chiefs to secure the young forward for 2028.

“He is an amazing talent, his got a long way to go to develop his talent and he is Papua New Guinean and that is something that will resonate with him,” Luai said.