LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The PNG Chiefs are seeking permission to start negotiating with players starting November 1, ahead of their expected entry into the NRL in 2028. With less than two weeks until players under contract until the end of the 2026 NRL season can begin discussions with competing teams, the transfer landscape is poised for significant shifts.
On the same day, the new Perth Bears will begin their own recruitment efforts, aiming to attract players to form their inaugural squad in Western Australia. However, they may not be the only expansion team initiating talks with players, which could trigger a flurry of transfers in the coming months.
As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, the PNG Chiefs, the 19th team in the NRL, are preparing to approach the governing body with a request to engage in player negotiations, even though they won't officially join the league until 2028. This arrangement would permit players to sign contracts with the Chiefs for the 2028 season while still securing one-year deals with their current teams or other clubs for 2027.
"We would be crazy not to engage [with players], but I just need to speak to the NRL about it and whether we're allowed to sign future contracts if they are free agents," stated the club's Chairman, Ray Dib. He emphasized the importance of having this discussion with the NRL soon, stating, "That would be an ideal position [to talk to players from November 1 this year]. If we can do that then yeah, absolutely we should be doing that."