The PNG Chiefs have continued their build towards the NRL with the signing of the game's most prolific try scorer, Alex Johnston.
Johnston's forthcoming arrival in 2028 marks another major statement of intent ahead of the club's inaugural campaign under coach Willie Peters.
Johnston adds immediate firepower to the Chiefs' roster and signals the club's commitment to building a dynamic, attacking brand of football with a connection to its people. On the field, Alex is a game-breaker, a record holder and a figure of pride amongst fans in both Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Off the field, his professionalism, humility and his connection to PNG align perfectly with the values the club is being built on - community, family, and pride in representing PNG and the Pacific.
PNG Chiefs General Manager Football, Michael Chammas said the signing was a special moment for the club.
"AJ is the greatest try scorer in the history of our game and a Papua New Guinean icon," said Michael Chammas.
"A player who has represented his country with pride on the international stage and carried the hopes of the PNG people throughout a remarkable career. And now he is coming home. He is the first Papua New Guinean player to sign with the PNG Chiefs. The first of many."
PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said the momentum building within the club is translating into elite recruitment outcomes.
"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," said McPherson.
"Alex is a record holder, we've seen what he can achieve, and everyone knows that he is a proven performer, but just as importantly he's a great person who represents the values of our club. Alex has been a tremendous ambassador for the game and the perfect ambassador for PNG, so bringing Alex home to the Chiefs feels right. "
"We now have players 001 and 002 locked in, and we're only getting started. There's real belief and excitement building around what we're creating."
Johnston is set to play a key role in shaping the identity and success of the Chiefs as we build towards our inaugural NRL campaign in 2028 and will join the team on a one-year deal.
The Chiefs would also like to thank the South Sydney Rabbitohs for their professionalism throughout this process and their willingness to allow Alex the ability to explore his future at the Chiefs despite being contracted with the club for another 18 months.
