Marquee men, homegrown stars… with a $1m carrot rivals can’t match: PNG team’s recruit hit-list

Papua New Guinea has been unveiled as an incoming NRL franchise, with the diehard rugby league nation to join the competition by 2028.

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The NRL salary cap will be $12.5 million by then, while the PNG parliament last week passed a new law to grant income tax exemptions for players who join the club.

That means a player could land close to $1 million extra – which some stars will surely find hard to resist.

So who could PNG sign? We take a very early look.

Here, foxsports.com.au breaks down the players available in 2028 in each position!

FULLBACK

Potential targets: Chevy Stewart (2026, mutual option for 2027), Connor Tracey (2026), Alex Johnston (2025), Liam Ison (2027), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (2027), Keano Kini (2026), Tom Trbojevic (2026), Ryan Papenhuyzen (2025), Kalyn Ponga (2027), Scott Drinkwater (2027), Latrell Mitchell (2027)

Analysis: Fullback could be the easiest spot to lure one of the NRL’s best players. The depth in the No.1 jersey across the competition is staggering and there’s a host of rising stars who could be among the best in the game by the time PNG join in 2028. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Kalyn Ponga, Tom Trbojevic, Scott Drinkwater and Latrell Mitchell are all without contracts beyond 2027. Trbojevic is signed until the end of 2026, meaning he may be the perfect recruit as PNG bosses could sit down with him come November 1 in 2025. However, it’s unlikely that Sea Eagles powerbrokers would allow their talisman to hit the open market, especially considering Daly Cherry-Evans is coming towards the end of his career. Papenhuyzen’s contract situation, reportedly signing a one-year extension on his current deal, could also see him free to sit down at the negotiating table at the same date. As for Ponga, Drinkwater, Tabuai-Fidow and Mitchell, they will only be free to negotiate with rivals from November 1 in 2026. Ponga could be the perfect recruit, previously sitting down with Wayne Bennett regarding a switch to the 17th franchise Dolphins. His contract also aligns perfectly with PNG’s entry into the competition, and his dynamic playing style could be the perfect fit to spearhead the new team’s attack. Tabuai-Fidow has also shown he’s willing to take a punt and join a new franchise, becoming the Dolphins’ key No.1. At only 23 years of age, he’s only going to get better and will be in the prime of his career when PNG enter the competition. Mitchell would also be a brilliant figurehead for a new franchise, but it remains to be seen if he’d be willing to depart the Rabbitohs given they have given him several chances following off-field incidents. Alex Johnston could be an outside chance and he is one of the Kumuls’ highest-profile players. He’d be 34 by the time their debut season rolls around, so he could be resigned to a spot on the wing if they recruit a big fish. Meanwhile, young guns Liam Ison, Keano Kini and Chevy Stewart could also be considered. Kini has already established himself as regular starting option for the Titans, while Ison and Stewart have played only a handful of games between them for the Sharks and Raiders respectively.

WINGERS

Potential targets: Alex Johnston (2025), Xavier Coates (2026), Deine Mariner (2027), Jacob Kiraz (2027), Ronaldo Mulitalo (2025), Jamayne Isaako (2026), Phillip Sami (2026), Lehi Hopoate (2026), Will Warbrick (2026), Murray Taulagi (2026), Brian To’o (2027), Dominic Young (2027), Robert Derby (2025)

Analysis: Johnston and Xavier Coates will likely be priority targets on the wing, with both having represented the Kumuls. Coates is signed until the end of 2026, meaning he will likely sign a fresh deal before November 1 in 2025. The 23-year-old could then align that contract with PNG’s 2028 NRL entry, and he’d be the perfect man to be the face of the new franchise, possessing acrobatic finishing skills and pace to boot. Cowboys flyer Robert Derby is another PNG international who could be one of the first signed up for the new franchise. The 22-year-old has played a single NRL game in 2023, tallying five Test matches in which he scored four tries. Derby is a tall and athletic player who could develop into a lethal finisher with more first grade experience. Elsewhere, a host of big names are currently free agents in 2028. Deine Mariner is signed until 2027, and he’s one of the best up and coming flyers in the competition, breaking into the Broncos outfit in 2024. Ronaldo Mulitalo’s future at the Sharks also remains up in the air, and he indicated he would hit the open market come November 1 this year. The New Zealand international will be hoping to secure the best deal possible for his own future, and if he’s savvy he could line that contract up with PNG’s NRL entry. Elsewhere, Jamayne Isaako, Phillip Sami, Will Warbrick and Murray Taulagi could be ready to be scooped up by the new franchise with deals that end in 2026. Meanwhile, Dominic Young and Jacob Kiraz’s current deals mean they are clear for 2028. Brian To’o is also one of the NRL’s premier wingers and he’s previously been linked with a switch to the Tigers. The NSW and Samoa representative is earning only $650,000 per-season, which is a significant amount for a winger. However, his impact on the Panthers isn’t limited to just scoring tries, he’s a genuine metre-eater and is worthy of a healthy pay packet and could reap the benefits of the tax incentives for playing in PNG.

CENTRES

Potential targets: Justin Olam (2026), Zac Laybutt (2025), Selwyn Cobbo (2025), Kotoni Staggs (2025), Savelio Tamale (2026), Stephen Crichton (2027), Kayal Iro (2026), Herbie Farnworth (2026), Tolu Koula (2026, player option for 2027), Nick Meaney (2026), Bradman Best (2027), Will Penisini (2025, player option for 2026), Paul Alamoti (2027), Campbell Graham (2027), Ali Leiataua (2027)

Analysis: There’s several premier centres on this list, but Stephen Crichton would be PNG’s dream target. He’s gone from strength to strength at the Bulldogs and at only 24, he’s won multiple premierships and is now his team’s captain. It is scary to think how good he could be come 2028, and Crichton’s current contract aligns with PNG’s debut season. Other big-name stars include Kotoni Staggs and Selwyn Cobbo, who both are currently free to negotiate with rivals clubs. Michael Maguire wants to keep the pair, but salary cap pressures could squeeze one of them out of the Broncos. Regardless, both players would be viable options to play in the centres for PNG. Campbell Graham is contracted until 2027, having missed the entire 2024 season due to a sternum issue. The Rabbitohs gun is currently a one-club man and perhaps unlikely to depart the where area he grew up. In terms of PNG internationals, both Justin Olam and Zac Laybutt are obvious targets. Olam has been vocal in regards to how he thinks the franchise should run, saying: “Unless they’re based in Port Moresby, then it’s an Aussie team that’s going to have the label of PNG”. Box ticked, with confirmation it will be based in the PNG capital. Olam will be 33 in 2028, and he could remain fit enough to play for the new franchise, while Laybutt is a star on the rise for the Cowboys and looks set to take up a spot in the centres in 2025. He was handed a fresh deal which runs until the end of the 2025 season in November 2023, but unfortunately suffered an ACL rupture earlier this year. Elsewhere, Paul Alamoti, Tolu Koula and Will Penisini could be solid options and have shown they are very solid players in the centres. Another big fish PNG could attempt to land is Herbie Farnworth, who has already taken the leap and joined the Dolphins; though the Englishman may be unwilling to relocate yet again.

FIVE-EIGHTH

Potential targets: Kaeo Weekes (2027), Matt Burton (2027), Lachlan Lam (2025), Jayden Campbell (2026), Luke Brooks (2027), Cameron Munster (2027), Tyran Wishart (2025, club option for 2026), Dylan Brown (2025, player option until 2031), Blaize Talagi (2027), Luke Metcalf (2026), Lachlan Galvin (2026)

Analysis: The two biggest names on this list are Cameron Munster and Dylan Brown. Munster would be 33 by the time PNG join the NRL, but he is showing no signs of slowing down as a player. A niggling hip injury kept him sidelined for a portion of the 2024 season, but after an off-season surgery the gun five-eighth will be ready and raring to go. Despite the injury, he still was impressive to close out the year and the 30-year-old has previously come desperately close to signing with an expansion club (Dolphins). Munster could take the leap and sign with PNG, ending his career with a pretty pay packet with tax exemptions. Brown, meanwhile, has two get out clauses in his contract, with player options listed for the 2026 and 2028 seasons. Therefore, he could easily become a free agent for PNG’s entry into the competition. The Eels gun is only 24, but has already played six seasons in the NRL and with another three under his belt, he could live up to his potential and become a true superstar. Brown shapes as the ideal five-eighth target for PNG, while Matt Burton could be another solid option with his current deal expiring at the end of the 2027 season. In terms of PNG internationals, Lachlan Lam would be a savvy recruit and he’s been in the midst of a contract saga in the Super League. His management, according to Love Rugby League, have been arguing that his current deal included a clause in it which allowed him to explore opportunities with rival clubs. However, his current club Leigh Leopards have made it clear they want to retain his services and have tabled a three-year deal, which means he would be contracted until the 2028 season. Regardless, any contract he signs will reportedly have an NRL get-out clause in it, especially considering PNG’s entry into the NRL. Tyran Wishart could be another solid acquisition, however it’s likely the Storm will attempt to keep him in Melbourne, while young gun Blaize Talagi will get a chance to prove himself at five-eighth this year at the reigning premiers but his contract does align with a potential PNG move. Lachlan Galvin would also be an exciting proposition, but the Tigers are preparing a fresh contract for the gun No.6 which could lock him down long term.

HALFBACK

Potential targets: Ethan Sanders (2027), Mitchell Woods (2027), Luke Brooks (2027), Tyran Wishart (2025, club option for 2026), Jonah Pezet (2025), Thomas Duffy (2025), Kyle Laybutt, Mitchell Moses (2026, player options for 2027, 2028), Nathan Cleary (2027), Sam Walker (2027),

Analysis: Arguably the most important position for any club, but equally the hardest to fill, is the No.7 jersey. It will be crucial for PNG to acquire a solid halfback, but even now NRL clubs have struggled to find their best option in the crucial position. So could they throw the kitchen sink at the best player in the game in Nathan Cleary? Only time will tell, but he’s currently contracted until the end of the 2027 season. It’s been reported Penrith powerbrokers are keen to re-sign both he and his father Ivan until the end of 2032, but as it stands there’s a chance, however slim it may be, that Cleary ends up at the new franchise. To make that dream a reality, PNG would have to make him the highest-paid player in the history of the game; but with a clean salary cap an offer could get tabled. Mitchell Moses, meanwhile, is another prime target and he has player options that could see him become available for the franchise’s 2028 NRL entry. Again, he’s an elite playmaker and would be the perfect figurehead for a new franchise but it remains to be seen if he’d be willing to make away from the Eels if they return to the finals football frame under Jason Ryles. Sam Walker is another star halfback that PNG could target, and he recently signed a fresh two-year extension which again would mean he is free to join a rival in 2028. It’s staggering to consider Walker is only 22-years-old and he would have several seasons in his prime ahead of him if he was to join a new franchise. Outside of the big-name options, a host of young guns on the rise could be solid contenders to wear the No.7. Wishart, as previously mentioned, had a breakout year in 2024 and could be the man to steer the ship in PNG. Meanwhile, Ethan Sanders and Mitchell Woods are two rising stars who could emerge in the coming years as the best of the next crop of playmakers. Throw in the mix Storm gun Jonah Pezet, who is currently negotiating his next contract, and there’s some good young talent there. Elsewhere, Kyle Laybutt has previously played at halfback for the Kumuls, but shifted to five-eighth in this year’s Pacific Championships. He is without an NRL contract and would be 32 when the new franchise land in first grade, playing his trade for Townsville in Queensland Cup.

PROPS

Potential targets: Valentine Richard, Jacob Alick (2025), Sylvester Namo (2025), Koso Bandi, (Payne Haas (2026), Xavier Willison (2027), Joseph Tapine (2027, player option for 2028), Daniel Saifiti (2027), Tom Flegler (2027), Moeaki Fotuaika (2027), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (2026, player options until 2033), Tui Kamikamica (2025), Leo Thompson (2025), Moses Leota (2027), Terrell May (2027)

Analysis: There’s a host of impressive PNG front-rowers that represented their country in this year’s Pacific Championships. Titans young gun Jacob Alick is a rising star who will almost certainly be targeted, with his current contract running until the end of the 2025 season. Valentine Richard and Koso Bandi both ply their trade in the Queensland Cup, but would be solid options for impact off the bench while Sylvester Namo is contracted with Castleford in the Super League, having signed a two-year deal ahead of the 2024 season. As for the marquee targets, Broncos superstar Payne Haas tops the list. The 25-year-old is reportedly earning north of $1 million per-season on his current contract, and it remains very unlikely he would be willing to move away from his big family, currently having custody of two of his brothers whilst looking after a daughter of his own. Regardless, PNG could break the bank and make him the most expensive player of all time, and that would at least make Haas consider a move north. The new franchise could also take a leaf out of Wayne Bennett’s book, with the experienced coach signing a host of veteran forwards to make sure his pack had starch. Joseph Tapine will be another marquee man who ticks that box, and he has a player option in his contract for the 2028 season, meaning he could be free to join the new franchise. Alongside Haas, Tapine is one of the best props in the game and would be another player who could be the face of the franchise. Terrell May shapes as an interesting prospect, and his next three-year deal with the Tigers could see him firm as one of the game’s best front-rowers. After that contract, he could then hit the open market for the 2028 season, and the 25-year-old has age on his side. Throw in the mix the likes of Tom Flegler, Moeaki Fotuaika, Daniel Saifiti and Moses Leota and there’s some very solid front-row targets. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui also shapes as an interesting proposition, and he has player options in his contract for the seasons beyond 2026. However, the hulking Titans gun has indicated he wants to try and win a premiership should Des Hasler be unable to shift fortunes on the Gold Coast in coming years.

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HOOKER

Potential targets: Judah Rimbu, Edwin Ipape (2025), Liam Horne (2026), Blake Mozer (2025), Reed Mahoney (2026), Blayke Brailey (2026), Matt Arthur, Billy Scott (2027), Wayde Egan (2027), Tallyn Da Silva (2026)

Analysis: Judah Rimbu and Liam Horne shared the hooking duties in the 2024 Pacific Championships, both starting in different games for the Kumuls. Horne is currently contracted with Castleford in the Super League, with his current deal running until the end of the 2026 season. The 26-year-old has been a regular starter in 2024 and could take his talents to the NRL come 2028. Meanwhile, Rimbu won the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup Player of the Year after a stellar season with the PNG Hunters, beating out several NRL contracted players to win the award. It’s been four years since he made his debut for the Hunters, bouncing around the side in multiple positions, featuring on the bench, at five-eighth, lock and even halfback. But he’s well and truly found a home at hooker and it’s only a matter of time before NRL clubs come knocking to recruit the gun No.9. Edwin Ipape is another PNG international who is signed until the end of 2025 with the Leigh Leopards. He missed out on the Pacific Championships due to an injury that required surgery but could be another great option at hooker. With a wealth of talent at hooker, whoever is tasked with building the PNG roster could simply look at players in their own backyard to fill the No.9 and No.14 jersey, handing out bigger contracts in other positions. Therefore, up and coming players like Blake Mozer, Tallyn Da Silva, Matt Arthur and Billy Scott could be the sort of players targeted. That quarter will still have youth on their sides when PNG enter the competition, but could have a handy amount of first grade experience under their belts.

BACKROWERS

Potential targets: Jeremiah Simbiken (2025), Dan Russell (2026), Brendan Piakura (2027), Hudson Young (2027), Jacob Preston (2027), Briton Nikora (2027), Connelly Lemuelu (2025), Klese Haas (2027), Eliesa Katoa (2027), Kai Pearce-Paul (2025), Jeremiah Nanai (2027), Liam Martin (2027), Keaon Koloamatangi (2026), Angus Crichton (2026), Jackson Ford (2026), Samuela Fainu (2027)

Analysis: Two PNG internationals shape as interesting signings, with Jeremiah Simbiken and Dan Russell both currently contracted with Castleford and Warrington respectively. Simbiken is only 24 years old and has already completed a solid apprenticeship in the Queensland Cup. He’s a hard-running backrower and would be a great squad option, and potentially a starter for the PNG franchise if he continues to develop. Russell, meanwhile, has played a handful of NRL games for the Dragons and was released at the end of the 2024 season, making him a solid depth option for the squad in 2028. The backrow position is another that is incredibly strong across the NRL, and a host of names could be potential targets. Eliesa Katoa is contracted until the end of 2027, as well as Jeremiah Nanai and both players will be in their prime in 2028 looking to secure huge pay days. Those two are among the most dynamic edge forwards in the game and could provide an attacking point of difference for the new side. Keaon Koloamatangi and Angus Crichton both have deals that end in 2026, meaning they’d have to sign one-year contracts to then be available for PNG’s first season in the NRL, which could be unlikely given their elite talent. Elsewhere, Connelly Lemuelu, Jackson Ford and Samuela Fainu could be solid contenders to be picked up, with all three players being very solid backrowers for their respective clubs. Fainu shapes as an interesting proposition given the quality he showed for the Tigers this season on the left edge. At only 20 years old, he could potentially play more than five seasons for the PNG outfit if they have a crack at securing his services.

LOCK

Potential targets: Jack de Belin (2025), Josh Curran (2026), Cameron McInnes (2025), Max Plath (2027), Trent Loiero (2025), J’maine Hopgood (2027), Isaah Yeo (2027), Brandon Smith (2025), Fonua Pole (2027)

Analysis: Jack de Belin played at lock for PNG in the Pacific Championships, and he is contracted at the Dragons until the end of the 2025 season. However, he will be 37 when the new franchise enter the competition and only time will tell if he is still playing. Isaah Yeo is off-contract in 2027 and he will be 33 when the season begins in 2028. The Panthers superstar, fresh off winning the 2024 Golden Boot Award, could take a massive payday and be the experienced captain PNG need if they want to succeed early in their NRL venture. Outside of him, Brandon Smith could be an elite option. It remains to be seen where he will sign next, but his time at the Roosters at hooker hasn’t been smooth sailing. The Kiwi international arguably played his best football at lock during his time at the Storm and he could be given a full-time position in the No.13. Throw in the mix that he flirted with signing for the Dolphins, having negotiated with a host of NRL clubs when he last became a free agent, and Smith could be a prime target. Elsewhere, J’maine Hopgood and Trent Loiero would both be excellent signings. The pair are hardworking, no-nonsense forwards who make a mountain of tackles, which makes building a team around them an enticing prospect. Fonua Pole also sits in that category, and the rising Tigers star looks to be a player Benji Marshall wants to build his forward pack around for years to come, handing him a lengthy deal until the end of the 2027 season. He’s only 22 years old and will be at the sweet spot in his career where he could be looking for new opportunities, being 26 when PNG enter the competition.