The PNG Chiefs have locked in their eighth signing ahead of their 2028 launch with the incoming NRL club signing a Papua New Guinean international.

So far, the Chiefs had only signed Alex Johnston in terms of first-team players who have represented PNG on the international stage, with London Broncos trio Gairo Voro, Finley Glare and Morea Morea all signed up to development deals.

However, the Chiefs have now securing the signature of Kumuls international Zac Laybutt, with the versatile outside back becoming the club’s eighth senior signing ahead of 2028.

It means the Chiefs still need to make over 20 signings to round out their top 30 roster but they’re well on their way and recruitment is expected to continue to ramp up in the coming weeks and months.

Like Johnston, Laybutt has represented Papua New Guinea on the international stage with the centre still only 24 years of age. To date, he’s made eight appearances for the Kumuls, including three at this year’s World Cup, as well as 50 NRL games.

He’ll spend the 2027 season with his current club the North Queensland Cowboys before linking up with Willie Peters’ side ahead of their inaugural season in 2028.

PNG Chiefs sign Zac Laybutt

In signing Laybutt, it’s fair to say the Chiefs are rapidly filling out their backs with wingers Alex Johnston and Brian To’o signed whilst both Joey Many and Zac Lomax will be making a return from rugby union. Moreover, Jarome Luai is signed to play in the halves with development players Voro and Morea also signed up.

Capable of playing centre, wing, or even full-back, as he showed in PNG’s final game of the World Cup, Laybutt offers plenty of versatility across the backline and head coach Willie Peters spoke about what an impactful signing he will be.

“Zac is a quality young man who brings a willingness to work hard for the team, and he will join our club with good NRL experience behind him and a bright future ahead of him,” Peters said.

“We believe he will only continue to improve as a player and we’re looking forward to watching him continue to develop with our team in the years ahead.”

General manager Michael Chammas also spoke about Laybutt’s Papua New Guinean heritage, explaining its importance: “Zac is a player who understands the significance of what we’re building as a club and the opportunity that lies ahead of him as a player here in Papua New Guinea.

“As a player, he has size, athleticism and versatility to excel in multiple positions, and he has shown already in his career that he can handle the demands and challenges of what it takes to be an NRL player.”

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