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South Sydney’s Alex Johnston Secures Clause for Immediate Talks With PNG NRL Franchise

The deal through 2027 includes an exception to NRL negotiation rules, respecting Johnston’s Papua New Guinea heritage in light of the league’s 2028 expansion plans.

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Overview

  • Under standard NRL regulations, players cannot negotiate with other clubs until November 1 of the year before their contract expires, but Johnston’s extension bypasses that restriction for Papua New Guinea talks.
  • The immediate-negotiation clause gives PNG’s new NRL franchise a head start in pursuing Johnston as its inaugural signing ahead of the 2028 season.
  • Johnston has scored 207 tries in 239 games and needs just five more to break Ken Irvine’s all-time record of 212 before the close of the season or early next year.
  • With a grandmother born in PNG and 10 Tests captaining the Kumuls, Johnston has said he would welcome being player number one for the new club and aims to represent PNG at the 2026 World Cup.
  • South Sydney CEO Blake Solly affirmed that the club supports Johnston’s cultural ambitions and will retain him through the end of 2027, regardless of future PNG commitments.