The PNG Chiefs are facing trouble for their interactions with the NRL's anti-tampering regulations.
As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, the club has received a formal warning following remarks from board member Marcus Bai regarding the potential signing of Panthers star Nathan Cleary.
Earlier this year, Bai expressed to News Corp that he would "love to see" Cleary play for PNG, claiming that his acquisition would "stop the whole nation."
With speculation surrounding a significant offer for Cleary this week, those comments resurfaced, attracting the NRL's attention.
The NRL enforces strict anti-tampering rules to prevent club officials from making public remarks that might be interpreted as efforts to attract players under contract with other clubs.
This matter gained prominence during the 2025 season when Canterbury's Phil Gould made controversial comments about then-Tigers player Lachlan Galvin, who ended up joining the Bulldogs mid-season.
Cleary, whose contract expires at the end of 2027, is among numerous stars eligible to negotiate with the PNG Chiefs and other NRL competitors starting November 1.
Additionally, the Chiefs have their eyes on NSW State of Origin forwards Liam Martin and Hudson Young, who has received approval from the Canberra Raiders to engage with the Chiefs prior to November 1.
