The PNG Chiefs will chase a marquee halfback now that NRL free agency has opened, with the new franchise aiming to play finals football in its first season.
Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas outlined the plan to the Sydney Morning Herald as the 1 November window opened, with the club able to offer players tax-free money.
“We want to get a marquee No.7 because we want to be in a position where we can compete for finals from year one,” Chammas said.
“History will show that if you don’t have an elite No.7, you will struggle to do that, to at least be competing at the back end of the year.”
Cleary and Walker the obvious targets
Fox Sports reported that 176 players are now free to speak to rival clubs. The Herald said Penrith’s Nathan Cleary has yet to decide his future beyond next year, and 11 Kangaroos can also field offers: Jack Bostock, Bradman Best, Sam Walker, Tom Trbojevic, Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, James Tedesco, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and David Fifita.
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With Zane Harrison recommitting to the Gold Coast, the Herald named Cleary and Walker as the obvious options to partner Jarome Luai in the halves. Roosters coach Trent Robinson has confirmed Walker will be elsewhere from 2028, according to Fox Sports.
“Let’s see how it all plays out and then over the next couple of weeks we can get answers accordingly on whether guys are interested or not,” Chammas said. “We’ve done all the homework necessary.”
Forwards next on the list
The Chiefs have already signed Luai, Joey Manu, Connor Watson, Brian To’o, Zac Lomax, Alex Johnston and Matty Lees.
“We need a seven and we need to complete the spine. Then we need to focus on the forward pack,” Chammas said.
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He said the club had deliberately waited on forwards: “Everyone’s been saying they’re all outside backs, but the reality is we’ve only signed what’s been available. We decided out of the few forwards who have been available, we will wait, because the cream of the crop is available on November 1.”
According to the Herald, the Chiefs have tabled a four-year, $3 million deal for Titans forward Cooper Bai, who has his club’s permission to negotiate, while Canberra back-rower Hudson Young is a player of interest if he can be signed at the right price.
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