Connor Watson has officially become the PNG Chiefs' third signing ahead of their entry into the NRL in 2028.
Watson, 30, has inked a two-year deal with the incoming side for 2028 and 2029, confirmed by the Chiefs on Tuesday.
The Gamilaroi man and former NSW Blues utility is rumoured to join St George for 12 months when he leaves the Roosters at the end of this season before heading north for the PNG side's debut season.
Watson follows star half Jarome Luai and Kumuls international and all-time premiership try-scoring record holder Alex Johnston as inaugural Chiefs signings.
The Chiefs have celebrated the signature of one of the NRL's "most respected and versatile players" whose "professionalism, leadership and team-first mentality have made him one of the game's most valued players throughout his career".
Watson toured PNG last month, telling local media "the money helps start the conversations, but to come over here and to see the impact that you can have on a country, I think that it goes a long way as well".
A five-time NSW State of Origin representative and three-time Indigenous All Star, Watson has made 178 NRL appearances in over a decade in the competition, starting at the Roosters before moving to Newcastle for four seasons and rejoining the tricolours ahead of the 2022 season.
He's a noted utility, able to play lock, hooker and in the halves.
"Connor has made it clear from the outset that he wanted to be part of the PNG Chiefs and this incredible journey we are building," Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas said on Tuesday.
"He and his partner Kiana recently spent time in Port Moresby and genuinely fell in love with the country, the people and the opportunity to be part of something much bigger than football.
"Connor is the type of player every club wants. He is selfless, tough, professional and incredibly respected across the game. His versatility and experience will be invaluable for us as we continue building our squad towards 2028.
"Every signing matters for a new club, but there is something exciting about seeing the roster continue to build piece by piece. Connor becoming Signing 003 is another important moment in the journey of the PNG Chiefs."
Chammas also thanked the Roosters for their part in the signing.
Watson is contracted at the Roosters for 2027, but was recently given the green light by the club to explore his options.
According to reports, the Dragons appear front-runners to land him on a one-year deal for next year.
"What impressed us most, beyond Connor's football ability, was his sense of purpose and the way he treats people," Chiefs chief executive Lorna McPherson said.
"He leads with kindness, he listens, and he brings a calm strength into every environment he enters. We wanted people who would genuinely feel at home in Papua New Guinea, and people Papua New Guinea would feel proud to welcome.
"Connor immediately connected with the country and our vision for what this club can become. We know he will have a significant impact both on and off the field as we build towards 2028.
"You can feel the excitement continuing to build around the club now. With every signing, the vision becomes more real for our fans, our partners and for Papua New Guinea."
