Cooper Bai met the PNG Chiefs in Port Moresby on Wednesday before his planned exit from the Gold Coast Titans at the end of 2027.
A possible four-year, $3 million deal could make the PNG-born forward the club's player "008."
The 19-year-old debuted in 2025 and has played 24 games, including 23 in 2026.
In his 23-game rookie season, he scored two tries and averaged 19.4 tackles per game at 90.4% efficiency.
After the 2024 season, Penrith, Sydney and Melbourne showed interest; the Titans blocked an early move, though Bai could have entered the market on November 1.
A hamstring injury ruled him out of the World Cup.
Marcus Bai, a Chiefs board member, said he would not join negotiations. He had previously helped his son negotiate with the Titans, and their rift later became public.
Marcus said Cooper had earned his opportunity independently.
"I think the board is very supportive, and they're dealing with it … In Papua New Guinea, we say it's a 'wantok system' - he's on the board, and his son is coming in.