In 2026, conflicts of interest have frequently made headlines in the NRL.
Though much of the focus has been on media personalities, the recent behavior of Wests Tigers captain and future Parramatta Eels playmaker Jarome Luai has prompted concerns about players' interests.
Earlier this year, Luai was introduced as the PNG Chiefs' signing No. 1 for 2028, but he recently traveled to Port Moresby despite needing scans for a lower leg injury sustained during the Tigers' 24-10 defeat to the Cowboys, which may prevent him from playing in the Round 27 match against the Panthers - his final game with the Tigers.
Rather than returning to Sydney for treatment, Luai participated as a Pepsi ambassador at the PNG Open golf tournament at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club, alongside Prime Minister James Marape.
With one more match as a Wests Tigers player before transitioning to the Eels for a full NRL season and then joining the Chiefs in 2028, opinions are divided on whether this visit was appropriate.
Voss expressed his disbelief on SEN radio, noting that Luai is still under contract with the Tigers.
"He is getting paid $24,000 this week as part of his contract money by the Tigers," Voss stated.
"He is a leader… yet he is going off to Papua New Guinea to a golf day… are you not meant to do all you can to be fit for the next game?
"What are Parramatta thinking? What arrangement does Parramatta have with Jarome Luai and all these commitments to PNG?"
If recent developments are any indication, it appears the Eels' new five-eighth may be somewhat preoccupied in 2027.