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.
"Alex has said with his connection to PNG it would be cool to be player number one," Souths CEO Blake Solly told AAP.
"He has been a captain of the national team, played 10 Tests and is revered in PNG.
"He will always have a home here at Souths, but if Alex and his family do decide they want to be part of the PNG team on its entry to the NRL competition; we respect and support that decision."
