The PNG Chiefs are said to be “not happy” with Alex Johnston’s agent after news of his move to the NRL’s 19th franchise was leaked.
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While the plan was for Jarome Luai to be unveiled as the club’s historic first signing on Tuesday afternoon, that was quickly thrown out the window when reports came out that Johnston was leaving South Sydney at the end of 2027 to join the Chiefs.
The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio reported on NRL 360 on Tuesday night that his understanding is that no contract has been signed, although Johnston took to his Instagram story earlier in the day to effectively confirm the news.
“Yessssss sirrrrrrr,” he wrote in the caption, sharing a post from the Post Courier on his move to the Chiefs.
While Riccio said he had “hope” there is not a backflip, he added that the Chiefs brass were certainly not impressed with how things unfolded on Tuesday.
“I understand Alex Johnston’s agent was quick to get this news out ahead of the Jarome Luai signing,” Riccio said.
“… I don’t think it’s done many favours with the PNG Chiefs.
“The Chiefs aren’t happy about it… this is a landmark moment for the newest franchise and with the greatest respect to Alex Johnston, we absolutely love him as a footballer and love the fact he wants to head back home and give back to his family’s heritage, but they were waiting for the Jarome Luai announcement.”
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Inside the PNG pitch that landed Luai | 00:58
NRL 360 co-host Braith Anasta, who is also player agent to some of the biggest names in the game including Cameron Munster, said he is confident the Chiefs are “not going to knock back” Johnston but agreed it wasn’t a smart move from his management.
“Has his management done him any favours? No. It’s really silly,” he said.
“… But look at him — he’s a hero. The highest try-scoring record in the NRL, an all-round good bloke and I couldn’t imagine the Chiefs backflipping or telling him it’s not there but there’s a bit of bad blood.”
With Johnston and Luai now on board, the expectation is that the Chiefs will continue to add to their playing roster ahead of the inaugural season in 2028 with some of the biggest names in the competition on their wish list.
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