Samoa captain Junior Paulo has welcomed Jarome Luai to Parramatta, where the five-eighth is set to play next season before moving to Port Moresby.
The reception contrasts with the likely response from Wests Tigers supporters after Luai's much-discussed mid-contract move to the PNG Chiefs and his eventual departure.
At Mt Druitt on Saturday, more than 5,000 Samoa fans greeted the 29-year-old as he joked with the crowd.
Luai joined his international teammates on stage and tossed his cap into the audience amid the enthusiastic welcome.