The PNG Chiefs approached All Blacks star Damian McKenzie about a shock code switch after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
This masthead can reveal the PNG Chiefs, who will enter the NRL in 2028, spoke with McKenzie’s management about the prospect of luring the star playmaker to rugby league for a one-year stint.
McKenzie, the incumbent All Blacks five-eighth who started against the Wallabies last week in Sydney, signed a four-year contract extension with New Zealand Rugby and Super Rugby side the Chiefs last year, keeping him in the 15-man game until the end of 2029.
In that deal is a sabbatical clause that allows McKenzie to play abroad in 2028 before returning for the All Blacks to play against the British and Irish Lions in 2029.
While the PNG Chiefs cannot formally negotiate with contracted NRL halves such as Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary until November 1, they made enquiries with McKenzie’s management, according to sources speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the talks.
Whether McKenzie will seriously consider a switch to the NRL remains to be seen – it would appear to be an outside chance – but the approach is a pointed statement of intent from the expansion club amid the NRL’s escalating legal dispute with NZR.
New Zealand Rugby has launched legal action against the NRL over its decision to name its new PNG franchise the Chiefs, arguing the name infringes the trademark of the Waikato-based Super Rugby club and risks confusing fans.
Earlier this month, New Zealand’s High Court rejected NZR’s application for an interim injunction, clearing the way for the PNG Chiefs to proceed with their official branding launch.
However, the legal battle is far from over, with NZR pursuing a permanent injunction. The case is expected to return to court in early 2027.
Armed with the lure of tax-free contracts, the PNG Chiefs have made no secret of their ambition to build a strong playing roster. Their interest in one of New Zealand rugby’s biggest stars suggests they are prepared to cast their net even wider.
Senior figures in Australian rugby are aware of the Chiefs’ interest in McKenzie.
If he was interested in making the switch to the 13-man game, McKenzie could feasibly play in the halves for the Chiefs alongside Jarome Luai, with a back line of Zac Lomax, Brian To’o, Alex Johnston and Joey Manu.
McKenzie made his Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs in 2015 before earning his first All Blacks cap against Argentina the following year, aged 21.
One of New Zealand rugby’s most electrifying attacking talents, the 83-Test playmaker is the Chiefs’ all-time leading points scorer and a key figure in the All Blacks’ back line. He missed the 2019 Rugby World Cup due to a ruptured ACL but played in the 2023 tournament in which the All Blacks made the final.
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