Jarome Luai has made history as the inaugural player for the Papua New Guinea Chiefs, while Alex Johnston recently hinted at his signing, giving the NRL's 19th franchise a promising start.
The franchise has faced criticism, yet the addition of a four-time premiership winner alongside the sport's all-time leading try-scorer legitimizes their ambitious venture just 18 months prior to their inaugural training in Port Moresby.
Although they cannot engage with players whose contracts end until November 1, this timing enables them to pursue immediate success, leveraging enticing tax-free incentives as their main attraction.
» EXPLAINER: Why the Chiefs could sign Luai and Johnston before November 1
Now, the focus shifts to who might join Luai and Johnston. A considerable number of their former or current teammates may express interest in collaborating with this dynamic duo, contributing to a potentially groundbreaking rugby league initiative in Papua New Guinea.
Here are eight candidates who could be targeted by the NRL's 19th team, all set to be off-contract at the close of 2027.