The Rabbitohs have reportedly inserted a clause in star winger Alex Johnston’s extension that could see him become Papua New Guinea’s first signing.
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The Sydney Morning Herald reported Johnston’s two-year extension allows Johnston to negotiate with PNG at any time, which could mean he is the expansion team’s first signing in the coming months.
Johnston only signed his extension two weeks ago in a deal that will see him become the game’s greatest try-scorer at South Sydney either this season or early in 2026.
The veteran winger needs just six tries to break Ken Irvine’s all-time mark of 212 tries.
Under NRL’s contracting rules, players aren’t allowed to negotiate with rival clubs until November 1 of the year before their contract expires.
However, Souths have allowed a clause which can see Johnston negotiate with PNG at any time, which could give PNG a massive leg-up in their bid to sign their first player.
“Alex has been a captain of [their] national team, has played 10 Tests and is revered in PNG,” Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly said.
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“He will always have a home here at Souths, but if Alex and his family want to be part of the PNG team on its entry to the NRL competition, we understand, respect and support that.”
Johnston is still only 30 and has already played 239 games in a largely injury free career to date.
It means he could be still near the top of his game when PNG come into the NRL in 2028.
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Johnston told the PNG Newspaper that he would be interested in a move to the PNG franchise in the future.
“It would be pretty cool to be player No.1,” Johnston told PNG newspaper The National last month.
“With my connection to the country, if there is an offer on the table, of course, I would consider it.”
Meanwhile, Souths’ teammate Jacob Host is reportedly set to join the Super League next year.
