Johnston free to talk early with PNG ahead of NRL entry | The Canberra Times

The door is open for Alex Johnston to become Papua New Guinea’s first NRL signing, with a clause in his contract allowing him to begin negotiations early with the new franchise.

The dashing winger signed a two-year extension with South Sydney last month, keeping him at the Rabbitohs until the end of 2027.

Ordinarily, that would prohibit Johnston from negotiating with any franchise until November 1, 2026.

But AAP has been told a clause in Johnston’s contract will allow him to begin talks with the PNG side early, ahead of their 2028 entry.