Cooper Bai had a secret meeting with the PNG Chiefs as he prepares to leave the Gold Coast Titans at the end of the 2027 season.

The 19-year-old completed his rookie season and impressed with his potential.

In his first time as a free agent after the 2024 season, Bai attracted interest from powerhouse clubs, including the Penrith Panthers, Sydney Roosters and the Melbourne Storm, where his father, Marcus Bai, played.

The Gold Coast Titans gave Bai permission to begin talks with the PNG Chiefs before November 1 and on Wednesday, confirmed he will leave.

Josh Hannay said it would present opportunities for other young middle third players.

“We have some outstanding young middle forwards coming through, including Bodhi Sharpley, Viliami Fifita and Torino Jackson, who we believe can become key members of our squad in the coming seasons,” Hannay said.

“Cooper has grown a lot as a player and a person over the past 12 months, and we're proud to have played a part in supporting his development.”

As reported by Zero Tackle when he first re-signed with the Titans, the last year of his contract - 2028 - was never locked in, and always took the form of a player option, despite the Titans never saying so on the record.

It means Bai could have gone to the market on November 1, even if the Titans blocked him from doing so early.

Bai arrived in Port Moresby on Wednesday, and a deal with the PNG-native forward could see Bai earn $3 million over four years and become player '008'.

Due to a hamstring injury, Bai was ruled out of the World Cup and missed representing the PNG Kumuls, who defeated Lebanon in the first round of the group stage.

Per SMH's report, the Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters are also monitoring the lock forward's situation as he enters free agency.

After Bai made his debut in 2025, he has played 24 games, 23 of them in 2026.

In Bai's rookie season, he started in the 13 jersey nine times and, in 23 matches, scored two tries, made 13 tackle breaks, and averaged 19.4 tackles per game at 90.4% efficiency.

Cooper's father was involved in his son's negotiations with the Titans the last time he was exploring his options.

The turmoil between father and son shifted their relationship, and the news of their divide became public.

Marcus Bai, a member of the PNG Chiefs' board, said he won't take part in negotiations.

“I have to step back,” he told SMH.

“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.

“He's got to earn it, and I think he's earned it in his own right this year. But coming back here – my father's name and my name are household names here, and he's got his grandfather's name.

“That's something I'm wary of, and the board knows.”

The Chiefs see Bai as the future cornerstone of the club's forward pack under coach Willie Peters, and the current Titan would be their second forward recruited, after Matty Lees from the Super League.