The Pacific stars joining the PNG Chiefs for 2028 

The PNG Chiefs are already making a major statement ahead of their historic entry into the NRL in 2028, building a squad with strong connections to Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific.

Among the club's first signings are some of rugby league's biggest Pacific names, including Samoan stars Jarome Luai and Brian To'o, Papua New Guinean icon Alex Johnston, and New Zealand international Joseph Manu, who has Māori and Cook Islands heritage.

🇼🇸 Jarome Luai | Player 001

The four-time premiership winner and Samoan international was announced as the Chiefs' inaugural signing, becoming Player 001.

Luai has signed through 2029, with an option for 2030, and will be one of the key figures around whom the new club builds its inaugural squad.

The Chiefs say Luai's Pacific identity, family values and pride in his heritage reflect the culture they want to establish from day one.

🇵🇬 Alex Johnston | Player 002

For Papua New Guineans, perhaps the most significant signing so far is Alex Johnston.

The South Sydney star, who has PNG heritage, is the game's most prolific try scorer and will become the first Papua New Guinean player to sign with the PNG Chiefs.

The Chiefs have described Johnston as a Papua New Guinean icon, with his arrival representing a homecoming for a player who has proudly represented PNG on the international stage.

🇼🇸 Brian To'o | Player 006

Samoan international Brian To'o will join the Chiefs after his time with the Penrith Panthers, bringing four NRL premierships, 151 NRL appearances and 99 tries to the new club.

The powerful winger has been signed on a three-year deal and becomes Player 006.

For the Chiefs, his signing is about more than what he brings on the field. To'o's Samoan heritage, family values and leadership fit into the club's vision of becoming a team for PNG and the wider Pacific.

🇳🇿🇨🇰 Joseph Manu | Player 007

Two-time NRL premiership winner and New Zealand international Joseph Manu is also heading to PNG.

Manu, who has Māori and Cook Islands heritage, has signed a two-year deal after his time playing rugby union in France.

A Golden Boot winner and 17-Test New Zealand international, Manu brings experience, versatility and strong Pacific connections to the Chiefs' inaugural squad.

🇵🇬 The next generation: Gairo Voro, Morea Morea and Finley Glare

The Chiefs have also announced development deals for three rising PNG talents: Gairo Voro, Morea Morea and Finley Glare.

All three are PNG-born, have represented the Kumuls and are currently playing for the London Broncos.

Voro has scored 18 tries in 20 games in 2026, Morea has 29 tries from 17 games to lead the Championship's try-scoring tally, while Glare has scored 14 tries in 12 games.

Their two-year development contracts make them the first PNG-born players to join the Chiefs' squad, alongside Johnston's landmark signing.

With established Pacific stars joining the club alongside emerging PNG talent, the Chiefs are already shaping a squad that reflects the people, culture and rugby league passion of the region.

And with their first NRL season still two years away, the Pacific presence in the PNG Chiefs squad is only just beginning.