Weeks after re-writing the rugby league record books with his 213th NRL try, Alex Johnston is understood to have created another piece of history.
Johnston is reportedly confirmed as the PNG Chiefs' first official signing ahead of their debut season in 2028.
The Daily Telegraph reports the 31-year-old agreed to terms with the incoming club on Monday and informed South Sydney of the decision on Tuesday morning.
It would prove a marquee maiden signing for the Chiefs, with Johnston already one of the nation's favourite sons.
Alongside whispers the soon-to-be side are circling Wests Tigers gun Jarome Luai, who visited PNG at the weekend, Johnston's signature would prove a massive pull for the Chiefs filling one wing with the NRL's all-time leading try scorer.
The Torres Strait and Papua New Guinean man has also made 12 international appearances for PNG since 2019.
He recently spoke of the possibility of heading north when the NRL made its newest addition to the field.
"I'm signed for this year and next year at Souths and after that, if I've still got some miles to go in the legs, I'll definitely be talking to the Chiefs," he told Channel 9.
"It would be pretty cool to be one of the first signed for a Papua New Guinean team.
"They absolutely love footy over there and I've got a good relationship with the fans and the prime minister over there."
Johnston said he would "look forward to" the opportunity if it presented itself.
He made similar comments with the unveiling of his statue at Rabbitohs HQ earlier in the year.
"It'd be cool to be the first signature over there, but I bleed red and green," Johnston said.
He signed an extension to remain at the Bunnies until the end of 2027 mid-way through last year.
HISTORY MADE 👏 pic.twitter.com/U8FC4oztYg
— NRL (@NRL) March 13, 2026
According to The Daily Telegraph, Johnston is understood to join the Chiefs on a one-year deal with $325,000 tax free.
The tax incentive comes as a standard piece for players who join the club.
Ahead of his 250th appearance at the weekend, Johnston said getting to 300th NRL games is the "ultimate" accomplishment for a player.
A consistent next few seasons and full debut campaign with the Chiefs would realise this ambition.
