PNG land historic signing as Johnston becomes Chief no.1
The Papua New Guinea Chiefs have officially secured NRL icon Alex Johnston as their foundation signing shortly after the visit of Wests Tigers star Jerome Luai.
The 31-year-old South Sydney Rabbitohs superstar has inked a one-year deal for the 2028 season, making him as the franchise’s "Player No. 1."
The announcement follows Johnston’s record-breaking performance in March, where he eclipsed Ken Irvine’s long-standing tally to become the NRL’s all-time greatest try-scorer. Now, the man who has already conquered the record books is set to lead PNG’s charge into professional club football.
Johnston, who has maternal ties to Lumi in West Sepik, has been a mainstay for the Kumuls, earning 12 caps and a reputation as a favorite son of PNG.
Reports from Australia's CodeSports indicate the deal is worth approximately K770,000 ($325,000 AUD) tax-free. Under the terms of the agreement, Johnston will remain at Redfern to honor his commitments with the Rabbitohs for the 2026 and 2027 seasons before relocating to Port Moresby for the Chiefs’ inaugural campaign.
The signing is a significant move from the Chiefs’ front office, providing the 19th NRL club with instant credibility and a world-class finisher.
Johnston reportedly informed Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett and his teammates of his decision on Tuesday morning. Bennett, who has long supported Johnston’s connection to his PNG roots, gave his full blessing to the move.
With AJ now officially on the books, the Chiefs are expected to ramp up their recruitment drive. The signing provides a major boost to the inaugural roster and serves as a catalyst for the development of the Players Village at Airways and other critical infrastructure currently under construction in Port Moresby.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs are yet to release an official statement of the signing. However chief executive officer Lorna McPherson has denied the signing.
"We have not signed with AJ. Not sure where it's come from," McPherson told NBC News.