EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Johns predicts PNG spine, tips cult hero for 'serious payday'

Andrew Johns has tipped who he believes could make up PNG's spine in 2028, with a Roosters premiership winner in the mix.

The eighth Immortal also believes a Penrith Panthers raid is imminent with cult hero Brian To'o set for a "serious payday".

Discussions around the Chiefs' recruitment has gone into overdrive after Jarome Luai became the first player signed by the club.

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The capture of Luai is tipped to cause a flow-on effect with his former teammates like To'o and Spencer Leniu off contract come November 1.

To'o has been heavily linked since Luai's announcement and Johns thinks he'll "finish with a nice nest egg".

"I think he'll sign up there. Him and Jarome are great mates," he said on Wide World of Sports' Immortal Behaviour.

"Brian's done everything in the game. I reckon he'd be on unders at Penrith, without a shadow of a doubt. If he goes to market tomorrow he'd be earning 800-900k. If he goes to the Chiefs, it could be a serious payday for Bizza."

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As for the spine, Johns is "hearing" Jamie Humphreys could be a target, but still thinks Luai will be the halfback.

"If they get Jamie Humphreys they'll share the load, but it'll be similar to the way (the Tigers are) playing with (Adam) Doueihi," he said.

"I have no doubt he (Luai) will play in the No.7 jersey, but it's how Willie Peters decides to use him and the players around him."

Johns also tipped a cross-code star could be playing from the back.

"I hear they're chasing a big fullback. It's been all over social media they've been chasing Joey Manu. He could be earning a big, big whack," he said.

Manu is currently playing rugby union in France for Racing 92 having switched codes in 2024 when he moved to Japan.

The former Roosters star's future is murky, though, having told AFP in recent weeks that he'd love to play in the Rugby World Cup with the All Blacks next year. Manu would have to return to New Zealand for that to happen.

The 29-year-old stands to earn more money in the lucrative rugby union competitions but the tax-free incentives on offer with PNG could be enough to entice him back to the NRL.

Manu's father Nooroa recently told Code Sports that PNG is "an option" and the fullback is at a "crossroads" in his career.

While Manu, Humphreys and Luai could make up a spine, Johns also tipped Liam Martin could feature on an edge.

Mitch Kenny has been linked to PNG, as well, making for a significant raid on the Panthers.