Connor Watson appears front of the line in the PNG Chiefs ongoing list of signature targets after touching down in Port Moresby at the weekend.

The Gamilaroi man, Sydney Roosters lock, NSW Blues and Indigenous All Stars representative was spotted next to Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, James Marape, at the National Football Stadium while watching the country's Queensland Cup side PNG Hunters on Sunday.

Watson was recently granted freedom to explore his options for 2027 by the Roosters, with St George reportedly keen on securing his talents.

The Chiefs enter the competition in 2028, and recently announced their first marquee signings in Jarome Luai and Alex Johnston.

Luai had been taken on a glossy tour of the country shortly before putting pen to paper.

Watson was accompanied by his partner and Chiefs chief executive Lorna McPherson at the airport on arrival.

It came less than 24 hours before missing out on selection in Laurie Daley's Blues side for next week's series opener - the first time he won't run out for the state since game one of 2024.

"Jarome (Luai) spoke about it the best I think. Obviously 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," Watson told local media at the airport.

"You can't just come here for money, you're not going to enjoy the experience.

"For us it's got to work holistically. Everything has got to work. We want to come to a place where we can make change, if we can."

Watson has often been regarded as one of rugby league's best utility players.

The 29-year-old has made 177 NRL appearances since his debut in 2016.

He spent two years at the Roosters before a move north to Newcastle for four seasons.

Watson re-joined his original club ahead of the 2022 season.

In representative footy, he has made five appearances for NSW and three for the Indigenous All Stars.