Melbourne Storm have emerged as the club in the best position to hijack the PNG Chiefs’ bid to sign Cooper Bai after a twist in the chase.

The 19-year-old forward this week toured the NRL expansion club’s Port Moresby base after confirming he would not re-sign with Gold Coast for 2028.

Whether Bai, the son of PNG and Storm hero Marcus, sees out his contract with the Titans next year remains to be seen.

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Gold Coast appear prepared to let the teenager depart early, having been linked with swap deals for Roosters veteran Lindsay Collins and Nat Butcher.

But Triple M’s Dave Riccio reports a move for the 30-year-old Collins is “not happening”.

“(Roosters coach) Trent Robinson wants Collins to retire a Rooster and I feel like that’s coming,” he said on Friday.

“And I absolutely believe Butcher would be in a similar category, I just haven’t had confirmation.”

That might not be the case for the Storm players targeted by the Titans.

Melbourne have almost had Bai locked in previously but he went back on his word and re-signed with Gold Coast, a decision that sparked a since-healed rift with dad Marcus.

“The Storm, it’s a wait and see,” Riccio said.

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“They missed Cooper Bai so narrowly last time round that they may be interested in doing a deal for Cooper to come early next year.

“In the background to that is the Stefano Utoikamanu situation.

“You take the Roosters’ interest in Stefano, if the Storm need to or do lose Stefano, Cooper Bai is actually an ideal retirement.

“There’s so many moving chess pieces before this November 1 (negotiation) period has begun.”

Utoikamanu is, like Bai, out of contract at the end of 2027 and has been offered an extension to remain with Melbourne, but appears ready to test the market.

Bai made his debut for the Titans last year but burst onto the scene this year with 23 appearances.

“In the back of my mind I think he will stay with the Titans for 12 months and then go to PNG,” NRL premiership-winning coach Shane Flanagan said.

Beyond a big-money Chiefs contract based on his potential, Bai — as a PNG international and son of a much-loved Kumuls great — stands to earn plenty off the field.

“I got told that the third-party agreements he’ll get will blow any other player they sign out of the water,” Charlie White said.

“He will make so much money, he’ll be the richest footy player of all time in terms of the number from third-parties he’ll make.”

Riccio described Bai as “a billboard player”.

“You can only imagine how he felt flying into Port Moresby. He has PNG heritage, it would be coursing through his veins,” he said.

“There’s just that element of difference and love for his family that would draw him to that football club probably more than any other previous signing the Chiefs have made.

“I’ve got no doubt that in his head and heart he’s thinking this could be enormous. He’s one of their own.”

Marcus Bai already warned his son to take his time deciding his future.

“I said go and have a look and you and your girlfriend sit down and (think through) before making a decision,” he said in Port Moresby this week.

“He’s only young. He’s still finding his feet, and if he comes here there will be a lot of pressure on him.

“The crowd here are tough, they tell you straight up (if they’re not happy).”

Marcus is prepared to step down from the Chiefs board if required as part of recruiting his son.