'Blessing in disguise': Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston officially signs with PNG Chiefs
Updated . First published at
Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has confirmed he will join the PNG Chiefs for their inaugural 2028 season, fronting media to announce the move.
The game's all-time leading try scorer had been heavily linked with the expansion team, but was usurped by Jarome Luai as the Chiefs' first-ever signing.
However, during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, the PNG international said it was a "blessing in disguise" to get the deal finalised.
READ MORE: 'He had a point': Gus lifts lid on Bracey v Gallen TV showdown
READ MORE: Smith shuts down retirement talk despite LIV collapse
READ MORE: Another lifeline for Schuster? Door opens after shedding 33kg
"I'm guessing you all know what I'm about to announce - for the 2028 season, I'm proudly signing with the PNG Chiefs," he said.
Alex Johnston speaks to media after signing with the PNG Chiefs. Nine
"It's something that myself and my family are really looking forward to. I've obviously been a one-club player my whole career and it was a big decision to make.
"PNG coming into the NRL was sort of a blessing in disguise. If I was ever gonna play for another NRL club, PNG coming in was sort of meant to be.
"I look forward to making the move, but I've obviously got another year-and-a-half here at South Sydney and a couple of premierships would be nice and off we go from there."
The 31-year-old publicly announced his signing before it was officially a done deal, which prompted some frustration from Chiefs officials.
Watch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.
But now that it's signed, sealed and delivered, Johnston has turned his attention to making a difference both on and off the field in Port Moresby and beyond.
"[It was] probably premature from myself [announcing it]," he said.
"I was very excited telling people and I'm very happy to be the second signing for the Chiefs. Being the first PNG heritage player to sign up, I'm still buzzing.
"I hope there's plenty of [PNG] boys, I know the talent that they've got first-hand from when I play with the Kumuls and a number of those boys will go well in an NRL system.
"I'm looking forward to seeing who [Michael] Chammas and Lorna [McPherson] decide to chase ... it will obviously benefit kids growing up and seeing local boys in the NRL.
"It's very important having PNG heritage, it was almost like a duty or obligation when the team got announced, I feel like I had to go over there and represent my family.
"I only get to go over twice a year. I love when I go over there, the atmosphere when I'm playing and the community and how they get around rugby league ... seeing all the smiles on the little kids faces, it's honestly the best thing I do every year.
"Now I get to go over in 2028 and have a whole year and as much as I can, get out there and try effect change and use rugby league as a driver to put smiles on faces and unite a country as well. There's a great chance we will make great change.
Alex Johnston runs out for PNG. Getty Images for RLWC
"Rugby league is the biggest thing in the world over there and if everyone can unite and have something to cheer for each week and get together and strive for success for PNG, it's only gonna drive peace and harmony and give them something to look forward to.
"If we're driving messages as the PNG Chiefs, people are only gonna listen. We've got myself and obviously Jarome Luai, who is massive in the game, so if there's messages we need to get across to try and benefit people, we'll drive that and will definitely help."
Johnston has scored 221 tries in 251 games for South Sydney and earlier this year went past the long-standing tries record held by Ken Irvine.
The speedy winger represented the Kangaroos in 2015 before pledging his allegiance to the Kumuls in 2019 and has now played 12 games for the national side.
Alex Johnston celebrates his record-breaking try. Getty
He shut down any concerns over player safety and believes players will be treated well.
"I've been over plenty of times and safety's not my concern at all," Johnston said.
"If you're a rugby league player over there, the only concern is if you're gonna shake too many hands or get too many photos ... they absolutely love you and they're not gonna do anything to you, it's probably the safest place in the world [for the players].
"No fears of safety at all."
Johnston will remain in the red and green Rabbitohs jersey until the end of 2027.
