Johnston inks a historic one-year deal with PNG Chiefs

The National Rugby League’s greatest try-scorer of all time and South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has created history, becoming the first player to sign with the PNG Chiefs.

The try-scoring ace has reportedly inked a one-year deal for the 2028 season, securing him as the foundational player for PNG's historic debut in the top-flight competition. 

The 31-year-old agreed to a tax-free one-year deal, which is understood to be worth roughly $325,000, with a likely contract extension after 2028. 

The deal was finalized, with Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett giving his blessing to Johnston. The flying winger will play for South Sydney through the 2027 season before switching to PNG.

As a proud Torres Strait Islander and Papua New Guinean man, Johnston is considered a "son of the land" to lead the fledgling club’s inaugural charge in 2028. 

The move follows a clause in his previous contract extension, allowing him to sign with the PNG Chiefs before November 1st. 

In a recent interview with Channel Nine’s 100% Footy Show, Johnston revealed that he wanted to play for the PNG Chiefs.

“I’m signed for this year and next year at Souths, and after that, if I’ve still got some miles to go in the legs, I’ll definitely be talking to the Chiefs,” he said.

“It would be pretty cool to be one of the first signed for a Papua New Guinea team.

“They absolutely love rugby league over there, and I’ve got a good relationship with the fans and the prime minister. I think that’s something I’d look forward to.”

Johnston made no secret about his intention to play for the PNG Chiefs before he retired, and that dream has come to fruition, with the PNG international becoming Chief number 1.