"Smash and grab": Johns backs PNG signing approach

Matty Johns has defended the signing approach of the PNG Chiefs after the expansion club has been linked to signing Cameron Munster.

While they won’t enter the competition until 2028, the Chiefs have been on the front foot when it comes to their signings.

Already, the NRL’s 19th side have locked down the likes of Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Matty Lees alongside three PNG players from the London Broncos.

Now, the Chiefs reportedly have their eyes set on bringing in Munster and Joey Manu, who hasn’t played in the NRL since 2024.

Should these two players sign, six of their nine signings would be over the age of 30 by the time Round 1, 2028 rolls around.

As a result, criticism has come for their signing approach, which has been geared towards experienced players.

But as the 1997 Premiership player notes, the Chiefs are all in to try and secure a premiership as quickly as possible.

“A lot of people are out there going, ‘Oh mate, they're just signing older blokes’,” Johns said on SEN’s Morning Glory with Matty Johns.

“Well, let me tell you something, (Michael) Chammas has come out and said, ‘We understand that we're gonna have a high turnover of roster’, you know, close living is not gonna lend itself to five- or six-year deals.

“So, mate, (Cam) Munster, Joey Manu, all these guys, they're going for a smash and grab.

“You know, two-year contracts, grab it (and) try to win a competition like Melbourne Storm did in the first couple of seasons.”

Another criticism that has been laid with the Chiefs has been the want to secure Munster despite already having signed Luai as their inaugural player who plays the same position.

But Johns believes that having a more experienced playmaker in the Queensland captain alongside the four-time premiership player in the halves could still work.  

“I think Munster at the point of his career, I think those two could work, given the fact that Munster is a pretty dominant player,” he added.

“I think Luai struggles with a junior playmaker, if that makes sense.”