The NRL is set to be shaken up further by PNG with club chiefs reportedly targeting blockbuster moves for Nathan Cleary and Sam Walker. But speculation is rife about their futures and for good reason. Cleary has been mooted as the next landmark acquisition for PNG after teammate Brian To’o signed for the club last week. It follows former Penrith player Jarome Luai putting pen to paper for PNG earlier this year. Cleary is said to be a target for PNG, who could also eye Walker if Cleary chooses to stay with the Panthers. Walker came through at the Roosters but he has failed to commit to the club with his contract expiring at the end of the year. Talks over a new deal have reportedly been put on hold after Walker turned down a four-year deal worth around $5 million. The 24-year-old is said to be holding out for a more lucrative offer from Roosters, but it is possible he could be enticed to PNG. Matty Johns suggested such a move could be in the offing.
"I think with Sam it’s either gonna be the Roosters or it’s gonna be PNG," he said on SEN.
"The money (at PNG) is crazy.
"Apparently, they’re very confident. My mail is they’re confident that they’ll get either Cleary or Walker. That’s what they’re talking."
The Chiefs have ruffled feathers in the NRL ahead of their inaugural season in 2028. They have signed up six players including Connor Watson from Roosters, as well as Alex Johnston, Zac Lomax and Matt Lees from Super League team St Helens. Melbourne Storm star Cameron Munster has also been linked with a move after being granted permission to hold talks with PNG. But what makes this particularly fascinating is the potential impact on the NRL's landscape. The PNG Chiefs are not just a new team; they represent a significant financial and cultural shift. The money on offer is crazy, and it's not just about the players' salaries. It's about the potential for a new market, a new audience, and a new level of competition. This could be a game-changer for the NRL, but it also raises a deeper question: How will this affect the existing power dynamics in the league? What many people don't realize is that this move could be a turning point for the NRL's global appeal. The PNG Chiefs could be the catalyst for a new era of international talent and a broader, more diverse fan base. If you take a step back and think about it, the NRL has always been a league of innovation and adaptation. This move could be the next big step in that journey. One thing that immediately stands out is the potential for a cultural shift. The PNG Chiefs could bring a new energy and a fresh perspective to the league. What this really suggests is that the NRL is evolving, and this move could be a key part of that evolution. The Chiefs' arrival could be a sign of things to come, a new era of international talent and a broader, more diverse fan base. From my perspective, this is a fascinating development that could shape the future of the NRL. It's a reminder that the league is always looking to the future, and this move could be a significant step in that direction. Personally, I think the PNG Chiefs could be a game-changer, but it's also a reminder of the challenges that come with expansion. The NRL has to navigate the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, and this move could be a test of that balance. What makes this particularly interesting is the potential for a new era of international talent and a broader, more diverse fan base. The Chiefs' arrival could be a sign of things to come, a new era of international talent and a broader, more diverse fan base. The NRL has to navigate the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, and this move could be a test of that balance. This raises a deeper question: How will the NRL's existing teams respond to this new competition? Will they adapt and evolve, or will they struggle to keep up? The answer to this question could shape the future of the league.
