South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston, the National Rugby League's all-time leading try-scorer, has hinted at a potential move to the Papua New Guinea Chiefs ahead of their entry into the NRL in 2028. Johnston, who has scored 204 tries in 241 NRL games, is reportedly in discussions to become the first marquee signing for the expansion team.
The PNG Chiefs, backed by the Australian and Papua New Guinean governments, are set to join the NRL as the 18th franchise. Johnston's agent has confirmed preliminary talks, but no contract has been signed as of April 2026. The 30-year-old winger has spent his entire NRL career with South Sydney since debuting in 2014.
Johnston's potential move would mark a significant step for the PNG team, which aims to build a competitive roster ahead of its 2028 debut. The NRL has committed to supporting the franchise's development, including infrastructure and player recruitment.
