The Papua New Guinea Chiefs have signed prolific try-scorer Alex Johnston on a one-year deal, making him the first Papua New Guinean-born player to join the club as it builds towards its planned NRL debut in 2028.
Johnston, who holds the record for the most tries in the history of the game, will be player number 002 for the Chiefs. His signing is seen as a major cultural addition due to his ties to Papua New Guinea and his standing among rugby league fans in the region.
PNG Chiefs general manager Michael Chammas described the recruitment as a landmark moment. 'AJ is the greatest try scorer in the history of our game and a Papua New Guinean icon. He is the first Papua New Guinean player to sign with the PNG Chiefs. The first of many,' Chammas said.
Chief executive Lorna McPherson said the signing reflects the club's commitment to building a competitive team. 'This is exactly what we promised — to build a team that the people of PNG can be proud of and one that can compete with the best from day one,' she said.
The Chiefs have emphasized community, family and national pride as key pillars, with Johnston's professionalism and reputation off the field aligning with those values. The club acknowledged the South Sydney Rabbitohs for their cooperation during the process.
