PNG Chiefs draw strong early player interest

Papua New Guinea’s new NRL franchise, the PNG Chiefs, is already attracting attention from elite rugby league players, with strong interest emerging even before the club names its first squad.

PNG Chiefs General Manager Michael Chammas revealed that several off-contract players have personally reached out, expressing a desire to be part of the club’s historic debut roster.

PNG Chiefs General Manager Michael Chammas

Chammas said while speculation continues around big-name recruits from both the NRL and overseas competitions, the club is not yet in a position to confirm any signings. He noted that discussions are ongoing, with a focus on players whose contracts are nearing expiry, particularly those coming off deals by the end of the 2027 season.

He stressed that the organisation is adhering strictly to the NRL’s anti-tampering rules, especially when dealing with players still tied to other clubs.

“I know everyone's really excited about what we're going to do player-wise,” Chammas said. “It's really hard with the NRL's new rules to go into specifics around who those might be. But I will say that a lot of players have reached out to me in the last six weeks, and I've met with many agents.”

The appointment of Willie Peters as the inaugural head coach is expected to further boost recruitment, particularly from the English competitions where he has built strong networks.

Chammas indicated that the Super League and Championship competitions would be key hunting grounds, highlighting Peters’ deep understanding of the talent pool in those leagues.

Interest is also building among current NRL stars, with players such as Patrick Carrigan and Toby Rudolph publicly signalling their willingness to consider a move.

Chammas also responded cautiously to talk linking the club with prolific try-scorer Alex Johnston, noting contract obligations limit what can be discussed publicly.

He said the level of interest, both public and private, sends a strong message about the club’s appeal.

“There’s really no shortage of quality players who want to come in. While we have to be mindful of the rules and not doing the wrong thing, this team will be competitive from the outset. That is clear from the conversations I'm having.”

Chammas added that the club is banking on Papua New Guinea’s passionate fan base and quality facilities to build long-term success.

“The most important recruitment tool we are going to have is word of mouth… If they are happy, this team will become an absolute powerhouse.”