Rugby league hotshot commits to joining PNG team

Alex Johnston, who recently became National Rugby League’s all time leading try-scorer, has agreed to join the expansion team in Papua New Guinea in 2028 when it enters the Australasian competition.

Local media reports said Johnston confirmed the move to his teammates at the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Tuesday, and the 31-year-old reposted a story about the signing using social media along with the words “Yessssss sirrrrrrr.”

Johnston broke Ken Irvine’s 56-year-old record when he scored his 213th NRL try in last month, triggering a pitch invasion which included Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Born and raised in Sydney, Johnston has Papuan heritage through his grandmother and played 12 tests for the country after winning one cap for Australia.

Papua New Guinea is the only country in the world where rugby league, a football code formed after a split with rugby union over professionalism in the late 1890s, is the most popular sport.

The NRL’s expansion into Papua New Guinea is backed by A$600 million (US$430.4 million) in funding over 10 years from Australia’s federal government, which has concerns about China’s security ambitions in the Pacific.

The agreement allows Canberra to cut off funding in the event that Papua New Guinea signs a security or policing pact with China or another country.

The NRL said it had negotiated tax-free status for the players who relocate to the country, allowing Johnston to effectively double his salary by joining the Papua New Guinea team, to be known as the Chiefs.

New South Wales halfback Jarome Luai, another big name in the NRL, flew to Port Moresby in a private jet last weekend and watched a local game with Prime Minister James Marape.

“To be the first high-profile player to come and show interest in our team is something we deeply appreciate,” Marape told NRL.com.

“It sends a message that Papua New Guinea is ready, rugby league is strong here, and our future in the NRL is bright.”

News Limited reports on Tuesday said Luai had also agreed to join the Chiefs.