The PNG Chiefs Make a Major Move with Matty Lees’ Signing
The PNG Chiefs have made a significant statement in the rugby league world by announcing the signing of English international forward Matty Lees. This development marks a dramatic day for the team based in Port Moresby, as they continue to build their roster for future seasons.
Matty Lees has spent his entire professional career with St Helens, where he has made 199 appearances. At 28 years old, he is now looking to take on a new challenge by joining the NRL. His decision to move comes after a long and successful stint with the English club, where he has established himself as one of the most respected forwards in the sport.
Lees will remain with St Helens until the end of the 2027 season, following a knee injury that has kept him out for the rest of 2026. However, this does not deter the PNG Chiefs from welcoming him into their ranks. He joins a growing list of players already signed by the team, including Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, and Connor Watson, who recently confirmed his move to Port Moresby.
The Chiefs have not yet disclosed the length of Lees’ contract, but there are ongoing inquiries about the details. The club’s head of football, Michael Chammas, expressed excitement about the signing, highlighting Lees’ qualities:
“Matty Lees is one of the toughest and most respected forwards in rugby league. He’s built his career through hard work, consistency and an uncompromising approach to the game. Those qualities are exactly what we’re looking for as we build our roster and culture for 2028. We’re delighted to secure Matty as Player 004 and look forward to seeing the impact he’ll have both on and off the field.”
This move signals the Chiefs’ intention to compete strongly from their inaugural season. By securing Lees alongside three other high-profile signings, the team is sending a strong message to the competition. It also demonstrates their proactive approach, as they are negotiating with players off-contract at the end of 2027.
In addition to his impressive club record, Lees has earned 12 caps for England, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier player. St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus spoke about the significance of Lees’ decision:
“Matty’s commitment to the St.Helens’ First Team and its successes has been immense over the last decade. He has won every honour with us and will go down as a legend of the Club. I’m sure that he will carry on in that vein when he recovers from injury and that he will be giving absolutely everything, as only he knows how to, in the 2027 season.”
McManus also acknowledged Lees’ long-standing desire to play in the NRL, which was included in his existing contract for 2028. He praised Lees for honoring his obligations to St Helens before pursuing this new opportunity.
“We will wish him and his family every success in his new adventure in Papua New Guinea when the time comes, but that is clearly some time away yet. There is much, much more for Matty to achieve with the Saints before then, and I’m confident that he will.”
Finally, McManus extended his appreciation to the PNG Chiefs for their professionalism and cooperation during the negotiations. This collaboration highlights the mutual respect between the two clubs as they navigate the complexities of player transfers.
With Lees on board, the PNG Chiefs are well-positioned to make a strong impact in the upcoming seasons. Their strategic moves demonstrate a clear vision for growth and competitiveness in the rugby league landscape.
