Cronulla Sharks star Toby Rudolf, known as one of the NRL's biggest characters, made a cheeky pitch on live television after the Papua New Guinea Chiefs announced tax-free player contracts ahead of their entry into the competition in 2028. The 30-year-old appeared on Channel Nine's Today Show and directed a playful message to the club's general manager of football, Michael Chammas: 'I'm available'.
This comes after the Chiefs secured a marquee signing in Wests Tigers star Jarome Luai on a multi-year deal. Rudolf, speaking to hosts Karl Stefanovic and Danika Mason, said: 'I've heard that the PNG manager is coming on board a little after my chat. So Karl, if you don't mind putting in a good word for me, maybe let him (Chammas) know that he looks amazing today and I've heard he smells fantastic.'
When asked how he would sell himself for a spot in the top-30 NRL roster, Rudolf's response displayed his larrikin nature. 'I'm a really fun guy, I like to play rugby league. I'm a good listener, I really like to get a team together, I also love to travel,' he said. 'So if you could please pass on those kind sentiments on behalf of me, that would be great.'
Rudolf also expressed confidence that the Chiefs will be an instant hit, with players set to live in resort-like conditions in Port Moresby. 'I can't see how it wouldn't be amazing, to be honest,' he added. 'In all seriousness, I've been to the country a couple of times in my life already, I've played a couple of games there. This country (PNG) needs this, and it would be an amazing community over there. They are rugby league worshippers and I couldn't imagine how being a part of it wouldn't be a fantastic thing.'
After making his NRL debut with the Sharks in 2020, Rudolf is off-contract at the end of the season, making him a free agent from November 1. His playful pitch highlights the growing anticipation around the PNG Chiefs' entry into the NRL.
