PNG Chiefs set for bombshell player announcement

Jerome Luai and his partner (in middle) with Prime Minister James Marape and PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson (Image: Supplied)

NBC News has been reliably informed that the PNG Chiefs will make a major announcement during an impromptu media conference scheduled for 9:00 am tomorrow.

While the franchise has declined to comment officially, citing strict NRL protocols regarding player contract negotiations and signings, sources close to the club indicate that the Chiefs are set to unveil the signing of a marquee NRL player.

If confirmed, this will mark the first official signing in the franchise's history as it accelerates preparations for its inaugural NRL season in 2028.

The development follows a day of intense speculation. Earlier today, a report briefly surfaced claiming that Papua New Guinea international and prolific NRL try-scorer Alex Johnston had signed a one-year deal with the club. However, Chiefs CEO Lorna MacPherson has since denied those reports.

Speculation has also been fueled by the recent visit of Wests Tigers superstar Jarome Luai, who was in Port Moresby last weekend for high-level meetings with the Chiefs’ hierarchy and Prime Minister James Marape.

NBC News will bring you the latest developments tomorrow.