NRL newcomers PNG Chiefs have reportedly made an approach to Damian McKenzie as they look to pull off a stunning rugby union to rugby league switch.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, discussions have already taken place between the club and the All Blacks star, although no agreement has been reached.
McKenzie is currently contracted to the Chiefs and New Zealand Rugby until 2029.
However, his deal reportedly includes a sabbatical clause that would allow him to take a break from union in 2028 before returning in time for the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 2029.
Despite being unable to formally negotiate with players until November 1, the PNG Chiefs have already made enquiries through McKenzie's management, according to sources close to the publication.
The reported approach comes amid an ongoing legal dispute between New Zealand Rugby and the new NRL franchise over the use of the Chiefs name.
NZR has argued that the branding could cause “significant confusion and damage”, with both teams operating in overlapping markets and competing for many of the same supporters.
Earlier this month, New Zealand’s High Court rejected NZR’s application for an interim injunction, allowing the PNG Chiefs to proceed with their official branding launch.
However, the governing body is continuing its fight for a permanent injunction, with the case expected to return to court in early 2027.
Based in Papua New Guinea, the new franchise also have the potential advantage of offering tax-free contracts, making them an attractive proposition for high-profile players from both codes.
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They have already secured the signatures of Zac Lomax and Joey Manu, with the club seemingly intent on assembling a formidable squad ahead of their NRL debut.
McKenzie, meanwhile, has established himself as one of New Zealand rugby’s most dangerous attacking players.
The 83-Test All Blacks playmaker made his Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs in 2015 before earning his first international cap against Argentina the following year, aged just 21.
He is the Chiefs’ all-time leading points scorer and remains a key figure in the All Blacks back line.
A ruptured ACL ruled him out of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, but he returned to feature in the 2023 tournament, helping New Zealand reach the final.
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