The PNG Chiefs have signed North Queensland Cowboys outside back and Kumuls international Zac Laybutt on a two-year deal, adding him to their squad for the club’s first NRL season in 2028.
The Chiefs announced the signing on Tuesday, with the 24-year-old to become the club’s eighth player when he moves to Port Moresby at the end of 2027, The Sporting News reported.
Laybutt has played for the Cowboys since making his NRL debut in 2023 and will see out the final season of his current deal in Townsville before joining the expansion club.
He played a career-high 20 games in 2026, scoring three tries, and has 42 NRL games to his name, according to Zero Tackle.
World Cup Kumul
An eight-time Papua New Guinea Test player, Laybutt featured in all three of the Kumuls’ matches at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, including at fullback in their 34-12 loss to England last month.
Read more: Hudson Young Agrees Two-Year Deal with PNG Chiefs, Reports Say
He can cover the wing, centres and fullback, giving coach Willie Peters backline depth as the Chiefs build their inaugural roster.
Queensland-born Laybutt is also the youngest player the Chiefs have signed so far, AAP reported, joining a list that already includes Jarome Luai, Joey Manu, Zac Lomax and Brian To’o.
What the Chiefs said
“We are delighted to have signed Zac, and his signing is particularly meaningful for us as we build a club that proudly represents PNG,” Chiefs chief executive Lorna McPherson said.
“Having Papua New Guinean players like Zac representing the PNG Chiefs will be incredibly important to our identity, and he can help inspire the next generation of rugby league talent in this country by showing what is possible to achieve in the NRL.”
Read more: Souths to Meet Sam Walker After Third-Party Approach, Report Says
Peters said Laybutt would bring NRL experience to the new club.
“Zac is a quality young man who brings a willingness to work hard for the team, and he will join our club with good NRL experience and a bright future ahead of him,” Peters said.
“We believe he will only continue to improve as a player and we’re looking forward to watching him continue to develop with our team in the years ahead.”
More signings to come
Laybutt is the second Papua New Guinea international to join the Chiefs’ squad after South Sydney winger Alex Johnston, AAP reported. The club has also signed three homegrown Papua New Guineans on development deals.
The Chiefs are in talks with Canberra back-rower Hudson Young and St Helens-bound halfback Sean O’Sullivan, according to AAP.
More News
