# PNG Chiefs roster buildup for 2028 NRL entry

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/png-chiefs-roster-buildup-for-2028-nrl-entry
> Updated: 2026-08-10T00:58:36.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 4.

In late July 2026, the PNG Chiefs continued assembling their inaugural roster for their 2028 NRL entry. After initial permission for Queensland Maroons captain Cameron Munster to explore a move, the club confirmed the signing of former State of Origin back Zac Lomax on a three-year deal covering 2028-2030. Lomax, who completed a Super Rugby Pacific season with the Western Force and the 2027 Rugby World Cup, traveled to Port Moresby and was unveiled alongside Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, and Connor Watson. 

A few days later, Munster announced he would postpone discussions regarding joining the Chiefs until the November 1 contract window, cancelling a planned visit with Lomax due to concerns regarding his current club situation and family security. The expansion team has not yet made a formal offer to Munster and will reassess roster options once the market opens.

In August 2026, the Chiefs secured further talent by signing Penrith Panthers winger Brian To'o to a three-year deal. To'o will remain with the Panthers through the end of the 2027 season before joining the Chiefs, where he will reunite with teammate Jarome Luai. 

The project is backed by an Australian government commitment of roughly $600 million over ten years, tied to broader Pacific strategic goals and PNG’s security partnership with Australia.

## Claims

- Brian To'o will leave the Penrith Panthers at the end of the 2027 NRL season. (disputed by 3 sources)
- Brian To'o has signed a three-year deal with the PNG Chiefs. (disputed by 3 sources)
- Brian To'o is a four-time premiership winner with the Panthers. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The PNG Chiefs will enter the NRL in 2028. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: Brian To'o signs three-year deal with PNG Chiefs

Penrith Panthers winger Brian To'o has signed a three-year deal with the PNG Chiefs, joining the expansion NRL franchise in 2028 to reunite with Jarome Luai.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brian-too-signs-three-year-deal-with-png-chiefs

### 2026-07-29: PNG Chiefs NRL Expansion Advances as Cameron Munster Delays Talks Until November

Cameron Munster postpones PNG Chiefs talks until the November 1 window; the PNG NRL expansion, backed by $600 m Australian aid, also serves as a strategic sports‑diplomacy project.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/png-chiefs-nrl-expansion-advances-as-cameron-munster-delays-talks-until-november

### 2026-07-25: Zac Lomax signs three-year deal with PNG Chiefs ahead of 2028 NRL entry

Zac Lomax has signed a three‑year deal with the PNG Chiefs, joining the new NRL franchise for 2028 after finishing with the Western Force, bolstering the team's marquee roster.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zac-lomax-signs-three-year-deal-with-png-chiefs-ahead-of-2028-nrl-entry

### 2026-07-23: Cameron Munster allowed to negotiate with PNG Chiefs for 2028 debut

Cameron Munster, Queensland captain, allowed to negotiate with PNG Chiefs for a 2028 NRL debut, joining Jarome Luai as the expansion club builds its roster.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cameron-munster-allowed-to-negotiate-with-png-chiefs-for-2028-debut

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Cite as: PNG Chiefs roster buildup for 2028 NRL entry. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/png-chiefs-roster-buildup-for-2028-nrl-entry