Gold Coast forward Cooper Bai is open to an offer from PNG Chiefs if they come knocking as he explains why he signed a sponsorship deal with the same food company as Jarome Luai.

The 19-year-old PNG international, a free agent from November 1, was ruled out of the Rugby League World Cup with a hamstring injury.

Bai was training to be part of the Kumuls squad and knew there was something wrong with his leg, but a scan brought only further bad news and a six-to-eight week recovery time frame.

In September the son of PNG international and Chiefs board member Marcus Bai signed a two-year third-party sponsorship agreement with Papua New Guinea rice supplier Truckai Industries, the same month that Luai inked a four-year agreement with the business.

Bai said the sponsorship deal had no connection with the PNG Chiefs, who will enter the 2028 NRL competition with Luai as their headline recruit.

"It has got nothing to do with that at all. It is all about a company that aligns with my values and helps young kids to eat healthy," he said.

The Titans have approved the sponsorship deal, despite Bai being a free agent in less than three weeks.

"I am still signed here at the Titans (in 2027) and I can't do anything until November 1," Bai said.

"I am not too sure what I will do at this stage, to be honest."

If PNG general manager of football Michael Chammas comes knocking, Bai said he would keep an open mind.

"They are all options. I will have a look at it, but I have to wait until November 1," he said.

The Titans have told AAP they are keen to keep Bai but are aware that he will also be a likely target for the Chiefs.

Bai fits everything that the Chiefs want to stand for. He is a rising star with a decade of top line footy ahead of him, is studying at university (criminology), is a PNG international himself and immensely popular with the public due to his engaging personality.

Bai's first full season in the NRL was a rollercoaster, like that of the Titans.

He played 23 games, 14 off the interchange bench and nine at lock, where he averaged 65m in attack and 19 tackles per match.

It was a learning experience.

"I felt like it was good to get a first full season in the NRL with all the ups and downs and highs and lows" he said.

"It was good to get a blueprint on the game, understand it and know what it means to be a week-in and week-out player.

"Starting is a big thing for any player and that is my goal next year."

Australian Associated Press