Johnston, teammates arrive in Port Moresby

The National Rugby League's (NRL) greatest try-scorer of all-time, Alex Johnston, and his South Sydney Rabbitohs teammates Sean Keppie and Peter Mamouzelos arrived in Port Moresby today (May 25th).

Johnston is in the country as Lae Biscuit Company’s Brand Ambassador. He signed the contract with the company in 2023 and has made several trips to PNG, running rugby league clinics with different schools and engaging with the fans in the nation’s capital.

Lae Biscuit Company, a locally-owned business and one of the largest food manufacturers in Papua New Guinea, has been giving back to the community through local and international promotions by supporting rugby league in the country. 

The try-scoring ace said he was happy to be back in PNG, especially in Port Moresby, to promote Lae Biscuit Company’s new products, run rugby league clinics with the schools, and engage with the fans. 

“It’s good to be back in PNG. Sean Keppie and Peter Mamouzelos traveled with me. Sean’s been here before, but it will be Peter’s first time to visit the country,” Johnston said. 

“I love to bring the boys across to experience the culture and get to see the country and experience something they haven’t experienced before. 

“I think they will have a good time and see what it's all about, and give back to the community.”

The South Sydney flyer added: “The partnership I have with Lae Biscuit Company has been unreal. 

“I have been able to come over, bringing teammates across to experience PNG and give back to the community. I can’t thank Lae Biscuit Company enough.”  

There have been safety concerns over the years, but Johnston brushed aside the law-and-order issues.

“Safety is not my concern at all. Every time I come here, everyone is welcoming and wants to take photos and signatures,” the freakish try-scorer said.  

“That’s the main thing I’ve experienced. I’ve never faced anything bad, so this time around, I can’t wait to get back out there and be amongst the people.”

Johnston’s teammates Keppie and Mamouzelos said they were both happy to be in the country, particularly for Mamouzelos, who has made his maiden trip to the “Land of the Unexpected.”

Keppie shared his experience in PNG previously: “It was really good the last time we were here. We visited a couple of schools to run some clinics. 

“It was cool to give back to the kids and get some fun insights into how it goes around here. We signed some signatures and engaged with the fans, so it was pretty cool.”

Mamouzelos said: “AJ asked me a couple of weeks ago if I wanted to come and visit PNG, and jumped straight at the opportunity.

“I wanted to come over here and meet everyone, and experience what Papua New Guinea is like. I’m grateful for being here.”

Lae Biscuit Company Managing Director John Chow said the company was pleased to fly Johnston back to the country and his two teammates to promote the company’s products and engage with the schools and fans.

“It’s always an exciting time to bring AJ and the boys over to Papua New Guinea,” Mr Chow stated. 

“This time is extra special when AJ is coming over because he has broken the all-time try-scoring record in the NRL. I think it’s even more special as a Papua New Guinean and a player in the NRL.

“Lae Biscuit Company is very grateful to have him (Johnston) on board with us as our brand ambassador. The partnership we have together, AJ is always promoting PNG at the highest level and introducing PNG to his teammates and the Rabbitohs.”

East Sepik Governor, Honorable Allan Bird, was also at Jackson's International Airport to receive Johnston, Keppie, and Mamouzelos, officially welcoming the players alongside Lae Biscuit Company owner Ian Chan, the Lae Biscuit staff, the fans, and media.

A meet and greet event will be held tomorrow (May 26th) at Rangeview Plaza. The players will visit selected schools in the morning and engage with the fans at 1:00 PM. 

The Lae Biscuit Company signed Alex Johnston as its official Brand Ambassador in 2023. The partnership was announced in November of that year to represent its flagship products, including Snax, Pawa, and Toti brands.