Alex Johnston has officially put pen to paper, confirming his move to the PNG Chiefs for their 2028 NRL debut.
The announcement, released from the Santos Football Stadium in Boroko, confirms Johnston as the first-ever Papua New Guinean player to join the expansion club’s roster.
For the veteran winger, this transition is a personal homecoming. Despite his long-standing success in Australia, Johnston stated that the opportunity to represent his bloodline in the NRL was a calling he could not ignore.
“Having my PNG heritage, it was almost like a duty or an obligation,” Johnston said.
“When the team got announced, I felt like I had to go over there and represent my family, my nan, as best I can.”
PNG Chiefs General Manager of Football, Michael Chammas, described the signing as a special moment, calling Johnston a Papua New Guinean icon who has carried the hopes of the nation throughout his career.
“And now he is coming home,” Chammas said.
Johnston arrives at the Chiefs as the most prolific finisher the game has ever seen. Just two months ago, he made history by surpassing the legendary Ken Irvine to become the all-time leading try-scorer in premiership history.
Club CEO, Lorna McPherson stated that while everyone knows he is a proven performer and a record holder, his value off the field is just as significant.
She stated that his humility and connection to the country make him the perfect ambassador for the club.
Johnston’s connection to the red, black, and gold is already well-established. As a 12-capped PNG Kumul, he has been a mainstay of the national side, representing the country with distinction on the international stage. This existing bond with the PNG fans is expected to form the heart of the Chiefs’ identity as they build toward 2028.
The 31-year-old has signed a one-year deal to lead the Chiefs into their first season under coach Willie Peters.
While he remains contracted to the South Sydney Rabbitohs for another 18 months, Johnston is already looking forward to the 2028 campaign in Port Moresby.
The Chiefs expressed their gratitude to the Rabbitohs for their professionalism in allowing Johnston the ability to secure this future move.
For now, the Try-Scoring King remains focused on finishing his tenure in Sydney with another premiership before officially “coming home”.
Source: Australian Associated Press
