PNG Chiefs face recruitment targets and trademark disputes

The PNG Chiefs, an upcoming NRL expansion franchise, are reportedly targeting high-profile players Nathan Cleary and Sam Walker for their inaugural 2028 season. The club aims to secure a premier halfback to partner with inaugural signing Jarome Luai. Reports suggest the Chiefs are confident in their ability to recruit either Cleary from the Penrith Panthers or Walker from the Sydney Roosters, as both players will be eligible to negotiate with rival clubs starting November 1 this year.

Simultaneously, the franchise faces legal hurdles regarding its branding. A trademark dispute has emerged between the NRL and New Zealand Rugby over the name ‘Chiefs’. IP Australia has advised that registering the ‘PNG Chiefs’ name is problematic due to an existing trademark held by the Hamilton-based Super Rugby side. The NRL has been in discussions with IP Australia for ten months, and there remains a possibility that the expansion team could be forced to change its name to avoid commercial confusion or litigation.