The PNG Chiefs are already having a big impact on the player market on both sides of the world with the incoming NRL franchise set to make more big waves in the coming months.

Entering the NRL ahead of the 2028 season, the Chiefs will be coached by ex-Hull KR boss Willie Peters, who left the Robins so that he could dedicate his entire 2027 to building the best possible squad for PNG.

He and those at the club have already done an impressive job so far with the Chiefs’ signings to date including some marquee names but yet more could join per reports, especially given the fact wages will be tax-free, something that will prove a major incentive for many.

Despite that, Peters has stuck by the principles of what served him so well at Hull KR and that is signing people he believes truly want to be part of the PNG Chiefs project. So far, that includes a host of standouts with seven senior signings made.

Those players are as follows; Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Joey Manu (Racing 92), Zac Lomax (Western Force), Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers), Jarome Luai (Parramatta Eels), Matty Lees (St Helens), and Connor Watson (St George Illawarra Dragons).

PNG have also signed London Broncos’ trio Morea Morea, Gairo Voro and Finley Glare to development deals, but there are plenty of squad spots to fill and plenty of cap to use, leading to some high-profile names being linked.

PNG Chiefs linked to Sam Walker and St Helens’ signing

The latest reports down under have seen the Chiefs linked to a move for Sydney Roosters’ playmaker Sam Walker, who has recently had contract talks for a new deal at the NRL champions fall through.

As such, it’s expected he will play out the 2027 season and the rest of his contract before moving on for 2028 but because the November 1st deadline has passed, Walker is able to speak with rival clubs.

The Daily Telegraph in Australia have reported the Chiefs’ interest with Willie Peters admitting to the outlet: “He is someone we would look at. If Sam is keen and sees us as a club he wants to play for, and he believes the players around him can help his game and the staff can help his game, I would certainly like Sam Walker as a player, that’s for sure.”

Walker would partner up with Jarome Luai if he were to sign but there is another name circling in regards a move to the club and that is St Helens’ signing Sean O’Sullivan, with the playmaker only signing a one-year deal with the Super League club.

Per the Telegraph, O’Sullivan will tour PNG before heading over to England to link up with Saints meaning that his time in Super League could simply be a stop-gap before an NRL return.

It’s previously been reported that England full-back AJ Brimson has been a target for the Chiefs but another English World Cup member is now being touted. That man is Ben Talty, who didn’t play a single minute at the World Cup, but was heavily praised by Brian McDermott.

The Brisbane prop is another free agent and the Chiefs have made inquiries according to the Telegraph with forwards an area where PNG remain light, with only Matty Lees and Connor Watson signed so far.

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