'Put me on the spot': Record breaker admits PNG interest

The NRL's all-time leading try scorer has confirmed his interest in playing for the PNG Chiefs, assuming he still has "miles in the legs" for their inaugural 2028 season.

Alex Johnston surpassed the great Ken Irvine last Friday night in amazing scenes, crossing for his 212th and 213th tries in a loss to the Sydney Roosters.

The experienced premiership winner has etched his name into the history books from an individual perspective, but now has the chance to be part of something special.

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The 31-year-old has already played for and captained Papua New Guinea at international level and is now in the sights of the expansion franchise.

Speaking on Nine's 100% Footy on Monday night, Johnston was quizzed by host James Bracey about the potential of heading to Port Moresby and the classy winger didn't shy away from pulling on the Chiefs jersey once his current deal expires.

"There you go, put me on the spot," he said with a smile.

"I'm signed for this year and next year at Souths and after that, if I've still got some miles to go in the legs, I'll definitely be talking to the Chiefs.

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"It would be pretty cool to be one of the first signed for a Papua New Guinean team.

"They absolutely love footy over there and I've got a good relationship with the fans and the prime minister over there. I think that's something I'd look forward to."

The entirety of Johnston's 244-game first grade career has been with South Sydney and he is also a local junior, having grown up playing for the La Perouse Panthers.

However, the opportunity to represent his heritage is clearly weighing on Johnston's mind and he might not be the only Papua New Guinean player to take the leap.

Jack de Belin has been heavily linked with the franchise, while the likes of Xavier Coates and Lachlan Lam could also be in the new club's sights for 2028.

Michael Chammas has recently taken over as the club's head of football and will be able to sign players from November 1 of this year.