South Sydney try-scoring freak Alex Johnston is ready to grow to be the primary participant to signal for the Papua New Guinea Chiefs.
Johnston could make historical past for the second time this 12 months after changing into the primary participant to decide to the NRL’s nineteenth membership forward of the Chiefs’ entry in 2028.
The 31-year-old seemingly confirmed the transfer in an Instagram story publish with the phrases “Yessssss sirrrrrrr”.
An Instagram publish from Alex Johnston seemingly confirming his transfer to PNG. (Instagram: @alexjohnston95)
However the enlargement franchise’s primary goal to be their inaugural marquee signing remains to be Jarome Luai.
The Wests Tigers celebrity spent final weekend in PNG and met with Prime Minister James Marape and senior membership officers.
“To be the primary high-profile participant to return and present curiosity in our crew is one thing we deeply recognize,” Marape instructed native media.
“It sends a message that Papua New Guinea is prepared, rugby league is powerful right here, and our future within the NRL is shiny.”
Johnston will be part of the brand new membership on a one-year deal understood to be price a tax-free $325,000.
Alex Johnston celebrates changing into the best attempt scorer in NRL historical past. (Getty Photos: Cameron Spencer)
He handed Ken Irvine’s long-standing try-scoring file earlier this season along with his 212th and 213th four-pointers for the Rabbitohs.
The 250-game veteran has since moved to a profession tally of 219 tries.
Johnston, who can be 33 in 2028, obtained the blessing of Souths coach Wayne Bennett earlier this 12 months to affix the PNG franchise given his sturdy ties with the nation.
The winger made his Take a look at debut for the Kumuls in 2019, scoring 4 tries in 12 internationals for the league-obsessed nation.
In a measure of his standing and recognition on the Rabbitohs, Johnston additionally has the help of teammates.
“Yeah, he instructed us this morning. Look, you have to be pleased for the bloke,” prop Sean Keppie instructed media.
“He is given a lot to the sport and to see him get that first place over there may be fairly cool to see.
“I am fairly certain they are going to do some fairly good issues over there, so he’ll seize it with each fingers and he is already scored so many tries, hopefully he can rating some extra, however not in opposition to us.”
ABC/AAP
