Alex Johnston’s One-Club Man Future in Doubt

Rugby League Legend Alex Johnston Courted by PNG Chiefs for Dream Career Finale

In a development that has sent ripples through the rugby league world, powerbrokers from Papua New Guinea have reportedly reached out to the South Sydney Rabbitohs regarding the potential of securing Alex Johnston as a marquee signing for the newly formed PNG Chiefs. Officials believe this would represent a “fantastic” culmination to a record-breaking career for the celebrated winger.

Johnston recently etched his name in the history books, surpassing Ken Irvine’s long-standing record of 212 tries with a remarkable two-try performance for the Rabbitohs in their recent clash against the Sydney Roosters. This achievement, which had stood for 53 years, cements Johnston’s status as one of the game’s all-time greats. While he inked a two-year contract extension with the Rabbitohs last year, a clause within this agreement has opened the door for discussions with PNG.

This unique clause, revealed last August, allows Johnston to engage in negotiations with the PNG outfit at any time he chooses, a detail that has prompted a direct approach from the Chiefs. Michael Chammas, the general manager of football for the PNG Chiefs, confirmed that he has been in contact with South Sydney’s chief executive, Blake Solly, to gain a clearer understanding of Johnston’s contractual situation beyond 2027.

“We’ve spoken to South Sydney and Alex’s management to better understand where things sit with his contract beyond 2027,” Chammas stated. “Everyone agrees that it would be fantastic for Alex to finish his career by representing his Papua New Guinean heritage at the Chiefs.”

Chammas elaborated on the club’s immediate priorities: “Our priority at the moment is to appoint a coach. Once we are in a position to start making decisions about our roster for 2028 and beyond, we will reconvene with AJ and South Sydney to have a discussion about what the future may look like.”

South Sydney’s CEO, Blake Solly, indicated that the Rabbitohs would not obstruct Johnston’s ambitions should a suitable opportunity arise in PNG. “Alex still has at least another season with us after this. I’m sure he is intent on scoring plenty more tries in our colours and winning another premiership,” Solly commented.

He further acknowledged Johnston’s strong connection to Papua New Guinea: “Alex also has an opportunity in PNG. He has captained the national team and is an icon over there. If he wants to be part of something special and join the Chiefs for their inaugural seasons, he has more than earned that right. That’s a decision for Alex, his family and management.”

Solly reiterated the sentiment shared by many: “Everyone agrees that it would be fantastic for Alex to finish his career by representing his Papua New Guinean heritage at the Chiefs.”

Given his deep heritage, his historic try-scoring feats, and his immense popularity in the Pacific nation, Johnston is an undoubtedly attractive prospect for the Chiefs. However, the club is keen to finalise its coaching appointment before engaging in formal negotiations with potential players. This crucial decision, which will ultimately be ratified by the NRL, is anticipated in the coming weeks.

Johnston himself, speaking after his record-breaking performance, expressed his desire to continue playing for as long as possible. “These are conversations that I need to have with Souths and with PNG, and that’s probably something that’s going to happen in the future,” he said. “I just want to keep playing as long as I can. I’ve got another season at Souths and hopefully can keep playing on after that.”

Pitch Invasions and Record Viewership Highlight League Fever

The recent match that saw Johnston break the try-scoring record was also marked by a significant pitch invasion, despite stern warnings from the NRL and Allianz Stadium management. Thousands of spectators, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, defied the edict, though the NRL and Venues NSW have opted not to pursue prosecution against the fans involved. Police did report two arrests during the game.

A NSW Police spokesperson detailed the incidents: “Just after 9pm [Friday 13 March 2026], approximately 2000 patrons entered the field of play during an NRL match at Allianz Stadium. During this, a 39-year-old man was arrested after allegedly assaulting a security guard on the field. He was issued a Court Attendance Notice for the offences of common assault and enter field of play. In consultation with security and Venues NSW, police assisted in the clearing of the crowd to ensure public safety. Earlier in the game, a 45-year-old man was arrested after running onto the field. He was issued a Court Attendance Notice for the offence of enter field of play. Both men were issued banning notices and will appear before court on a later date.”

The game itself proved to be a major draw for television audiences. Combined viewership figures for Nine and Fox showed a 13 per cent increase compared to last year’s corresponding fixture. The Roosters-Rabbitohs match attracted 1,265,000 viewers on Friday night, significantly outperforming other major sporting events such as the Matildas-North Korea soccer game (634,000 average viewers) and the Hawthorn-Essendon AFL match (567,000 average viewers). This surge in NRL viewership continues a positive trend observed since the league began hosting season-opening games in Las Vegas.

The Rabbitohs are already capitalising on the excitement surrounding Johnston, with a range of merchandise, including commemorative T-shirts, experiencing strong sales in the wake of his record-breaking achievement.

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys hailed the moment as significant for the sport. “It was a very proud moment for the game, and in particular for Alex,” he stated. “For me, to see it go to a guy of his character, such a lovely human being, made it all the more special. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer bloke.”