Ben Talty's affordability and J'maine Hopgood's Origin experience have put both forwards on the PNG Chiefs' radar for 2028, News Corp reports.
The club has secured only two forwards so far: Englishman Matty Lees and utility Connor Watson, now with St George Illawarra after leaving the Roosters.
Five backline players were signed before November 1: Jarome Luai, wingers Brian To'o and Alex Johnston, and former rugby union players Zac Lomax and Joseph Manu.
Those commitments have used significant salary-cap space, with Hudson Young expected to take another $1 million.
The Chiefs are also expected to pursue Sam Walker, while AJ Brimson is a likely addition; they still need a dummy-half.
Hopgood, an Origin representative, has completed just one full season in the past three.
He played only twice in 2026 and is due back at Parramatta at the start of this year, aiming to reclaim a place in the middle.
His 2025 work rate and performances made him one of the NRL's better forwards, and he is now available to clubs after November 1.
Talty has been on Brisbane's fringe but offers the Chiefs a solid, lower-cost option.
He has impressed since joining the Broncos at Red Hill from North Sydney Bears in mid-2025 and was part of England's Rugby League World Cup squad.