NRL star at centre of stunning swap deal

Gold Coast Titans rising star Cooper Bai could be at the centre of one of the NRL’s biggest transfer battles, with three clubs chasing the talented young forward.

The 19-year-old has reportedly told the Titans he will not extend his contract beyond 2027, opening the door for a move to another club.

The PNG Chiefs are believed to be leading the race, but the Sydney Roosters and Melbourne Storm are also monitoring his situation.

According to The Courier-Mail, the Titans are prepared to release Bai early if they can secure a suitable player in return.

Roosters prop Lindsay Collins and Storm forward Trent Loiero have reportedly been identified as possible targets in a player swap.

However, there is no indication either club has agreed to such a deal.

Bai travelled to Papua New Guinea this week after receiving permission from the Titans to begin talks with the Chiefs ahead of November 1.

The expansion club, which enters the NRL in 2028, sees Bai as an important part of its future.

His father, former PNG international Marcus Bai, is a member of the Chiefs’ board but has stepped away from negotiations involving his son.

Bai has played 24 NRL games and is regarded as one of the competition’s most promising young forwards.

He was also selected to represent Papua New Guinea at the World Cup but was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

The Titans now face a difficult decision.

They could hold onto Bai for another season and risk losing him at the end of 2027, or consider a player swap that would give them an immediate boost.

For the Chiefs, signing Bai would be another major recruitment success as they build towards their first NRL season.

But with the Roosters and Storm also interested, the young forward has several options to consider.

His next move could have a major impact on more than one NRL club.