“It almost felt like an obligation or duty”: Johnston on signing with Chiefs

Alex Johnston has spent his entire NRL career with Rabbits since 2014 (Image: South Sydney Rabbitohs)

NRL try-scoring icon Alex Johnston has officially signed with the PNG Chiefs on a one-year deal. The South Sydney Rabbitohs star will join the club as an inaugural player for their 2028 entry into the NRL.

Speaking on his decision to join the expansion franchise, Johnston expressed a deep personal connection to the move.

"I’m extremely proud to be signing with the PNG Chiefs," Johnston said. "It’s something myself and my family are really looking forward to. Having my PNG heritage, it almost felt like a duty or an obligation once the team was announced."

The 31-year-old winger, who recently became the NRL’s all-time leading try scorer with 213 career four-pointers, said the timing of the Chiefs' entry was fate.

"I’ve been a one-club player my whole career, and it was a big decision to make," Johnston admitted. "But if I was ever going to play for another NRL club, PNG coming in just felt meant to be. It’s like the footy gods wrote this."

Johnston has been a regular fixture for the PNG Kumuls since 2019, earning 12 caps for the national side. He said joining the Chiefs is not only about football, but also representing his family and his Nan on the biggest stage.

"I love going over there, the atmosphere when I'm playing and how the community gets around rugby league is incredible," he said.

Johnston remains committed to the Rabbitohs for the next year and a half, where he hopes to secure more silverware before heading north. He has made over 250 appearances for South Sydney since his 2014 debut.

The Kumul no.294 is the second official signing for the Chiefs, following the blockbuster announcement of Jarome Luai as Chief 001.

The one-year deal for 2028 is reportedly worth approximately AU$325,000 [about K700,000].

PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson hailed the signing as a fulfillment of the club's promise to build a competitive team that resonates with the local population.

"Bringing Alex home to the Chiefs feels right," McPherson stated. "He is a record holder and a tremendous ambassador for PNG".