South Sydney star Alex Johnston, heralded as the top try-scorer in the history of Australian rugby league, has made history himself by becoming the inaugural player to sign with the Papua New Guinea Chiefs.
According to reports from The Sydney Morning Herald, Johnston has finalised a one-year agreement with the Chiefs for the 2028 season, the year the franchise will enter the NRL as its 19th team.
The prolific try-scorer currently has a contract with the Rabbitohs that extends through to the end of 2027. Although players typically become free agents only a year prior to their contracts ending, a specific clause in Johnston’s deal permitted him to pursue negotiations and sign with the Chiefs at any point.
Michael Chammas, the Chiefs’ general manager of football and a former journalist for 9News and The Sydney Morning Herald, is aiming to secure the signature of Wests Tigers sensation Jarome Luai as well.
Alex Johnston departs the field after setting the Australian rugby league try-scoring record in March. Getty
Over the weekend, the Tigers co-captain was seen engaging with Chammas and other senior Chiefs officials during his visit to PNG.
At 31 years of age, Johnston has PNG roots through his maternal grandmother and has represented the nation in international Test matches.
He has recently expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Chiefs.
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“I am contracted with Souths for this year and the next, but if I still have the energy in my legs after that, I will undoubtedly have a conversation with the Chiefs,” Johnston remarked to Nine.
“It would be exciting to be one of the first players signed to a team from Papua New Guinea.
“The passion for rugby league there is incredible, and I enjoy a strong connection with both the fans and the prime minister.”
“It’s certainly something I look forward to.”
More updates to follow.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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