Andrew Johns Predicts PNG’s 2028 Spine and Potential Raids
Andrew Johns, one of the eighth Immortals in rugby league history, has shared his insights on who he believes could form the backbone of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) team in 2028. His predictions include a Roosters premiership winner and a potential raid on the Penrith Panthers, with cult hero Brian To’o set for a “serious payday.”
Discussions around PNG’s recruitment have intensified following the signing of Jarome Luai as the first player for the club. This move is expected to trigger a chain reaction, with several of Luai’s former teammates, including To’o and Spencer Leniu, becoming available after their contracts expire in November.
To’o has been heavily linked with PNG since Luai’s announcement, and Johns believes he will “finish with a nice nest egg.” He commented on Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour, saying: “I think he’ll sign up there. Him and Jarome are great mates. Brian’s done everything in the game. I reckon he’d be on unders at Penrith, without a shadow of a doubt. If he goes to market tomorrow he’d be earning 800-900k. If he goes to the Chiefs, it could be a serious payday for Bizza.”
Johns also mentioned that Jamie Humphreys could be a target for PNG, though he still believes Luai will be the halfback. “If they get Jamie Humphreys they’ll share the load, but it’ll be similar to the way the Tigers are playing with Adam Doueihi,” he said. “I have no doubt he (Luai) will play in the No.7 jersey, but it’s how Willie Peters decides to use him and the players around him.”
In addition to the spine, Johns hinted that a cross-code star could be playing from the back. “I hear they’re chasing a big fullback. It’s been all over social media they’ve been chasing Joey Manu. He could be earning a big, big whack,” he said.
Manu, currently playing rugby union in France for Racing 92, switched codes in 2024 when he moved to Japan. The 29-year-old’s future remains uncertain, as he recently told AFP that he would love to play in the Rugby World Cup with the All Blacks next year. This would require him to return to New Zealand.
Despite the lucrative opportunities in rugby union, the tax-free incentives offered by PNG could be enough to entice Manu back to the NRL. Manu’s father, Nooroa, recently told Code Sports that PNG is “an option” and that the fullback is at a “crossroads” in his career.
While Manu, Humphreys, and Luai could form the spine, Johns also suggested that Liam Martin could feature on an edge. Mitch Kenny has also been linked to PNG, indicating a significant raid on the Penrith Panthers.
The potential moves highlight the growing interest in PNG as a destination for top-tier talent, with the club aiming to build a competitive team in the coming years. As discussions continue, fans will be watching closely to see which players make the leap to the island nation.
