PNG Chiefs sign Luai, Johnston for 2028 debut

The Papua New Guinea Chiefs, the NRL's upcoming expansion franchise set to debut in 2028, have secured their first major signings with Wests Tigers co-captain Jarome Luai and South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston.

The Chiefs confirmed Luai as player 001 on social media, locking in the Toa Samoa international for the 2028 and 2029 seasons. The four-time premiership winner with Penrith Panthers informed his Tigers teammates of the decision after visiting Port Moresby over the weekend, where he received a warm welcome from Prime Minister James Marape and senior club officials. Luai, who activated an option to remain with the Tigers through 2027, addressed the move at a press conference Wednesday at the club's headquarters.

"I'm here at Wests Tigers for another 18 months and it's pretty good to get that out of the way understanding that I've still got a job here to do," Luai said. He described the Chiefs opportunity as a vision that resonates with his Polynesian heritage, emphasizing its potential to grow rugby league in the Pacific. "Being over there you sort of realise that it's bigger than a game over there. And when the time comes, we'll be able to change a lot of lives...