PNG Chiefs stun NRL with Alex Johnston signing ahead of 2028 debut
A major power shift is unfolding in rugby league and it starts with a signature that could redefine the future of the sport. One of the NRL’s most prolific try scorers, Alex Johnston, has made the first big move in the rise of the Papua New Guinea Chiefs, becoming the inaugural signing for the league’s incoming expansion side set to debut in 2028.
Johnston, a long-time South Sydney Rabbitohs winger and record-breaking finisher, has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal worth around 325 thousand dollars in tax-free terms. It’s a landmark moment not just for the player, but for a franchise that is already sending shockwaves through the competition before playing a single match.
The agreement was finalized after Johnston held conversations with the Chiefs and confirmed his decision to teammates and coaching staff at South Sydney shortly after. Despite the surprise timing, his move comes with the full understanding of his current club. A clause in his Rabbitohs contract allowed him to explore options with the PNG side well in advance of the expansion window.
What makes this even more significant is what it represents. The Chiefs are not just building a roster, they are building a statement. Backed by strong financial support and government involvement, the club is already positioning itself as a major player in recruitment battles across the NRL landscape.
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South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett publicly acknowledged the move, expressing support for Johnston while the club prepares to see out the remainder of his tenure before he transitions fully into the new project.
At the same time, attention is also turning to other potential recruits, including star playmaker Jarome Luai, who is weighing a lucrative long-term offer from the Chiefs. His situation, combined with high-profile recruitment efforts and even private travel arrangements tied to government support, has already sparked debate about competitive balance across the league.
Club officials across the NRL are now openly acknowledging what many feared, that expansion into Papua New Guinea may come with financial advantages few existing teams can match.
As the Chiefs build momentum before their official entry, one thing is becoming clear. This is no ordinary expansion team and Alex Johnston may have just become the first face of a new rugby league era.
Stay tuned as this developing story continues to reshape the future of the game and keep following for the latest updates as rugby league’s power map continues to evolve.
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