In the final instalment of the off-contract targets for PNG’s engine room in 2028, the dummy-halves and locks who could provide the running game, ball-play and defensive grit to make the Chiefs pack a force to be reckoned with in their inaugural season are explored.
Related
The Off-Contract Front-Row Stars Who Could Power PNG’s Engine Room in 2028 (Part 1) /png-chiefs-front-row-targets-2028/
The Off-Contract Edge Back-Rowers Who Could Power PNG’s Engine Room in 2028 (Part 2) /png-chiefs-back-row-targets-2028/
Hookers
Wayde Egan (New Zealand Warriors)
Embed from Getty ImagesThe situation: Contracted until 2027
The fit: Egan is a premier dummy-half known for his elite ball distribution. He is effectively another halfback around the ruck, offering crisp service and a level of deception unmatched in the NRL. Signing Egan represents the best pathway for a conduit who can bring power forwards onto the ball or link with an ever-impressive backline full of star-studded signings. With his high football IQ, composure in the middle of the park and capacity to unlock a dynamic second-phase style of play that will trouble teams through the middle, Egan represents a marquee spine signing who could be the tactical composer of the PNG engine room.
Tom Starling (Canberra Raiders)
The situation: Contracted until 2027
The fit: Starling represents the more traditional PNG-style hooker, known for explosive ball-running and high-energy dummy-half play. His acquisition would present a running threat capable of breaking open opposition defences and causing headaches for tiring middle defenders. Possessing electric speed off the mark and high tackle efficiency, Starling’s metrics on both sides of the ledger and his first-grade experience make him a premier target. Joining the expansion club could offer him a guaranteed starting role and the chance to command a powerful, fast-paced engine room.
Locks
Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers)
The situation: Contracted until 2027
The fit: Across the Panthers’ dominance over the past six years, Yeo has represented the gold standard for modern lock play. He is essentially an additional halfback, with a damaging running game coupled with the ability to make 30–40 tackles a game with minimal misses, all wrapped in a near error-free package. With familiar faces from the same dynasty as part of compound living, the blueprint for both the club’s cultural DNA and the success of its off-field component would be solidified. Signing Yeo would be a marquee statement for PNG: they would have landed an instant club captain, leader and the most elite option available in his position in the NRL.
J’maine Hopgood (Parramatta Eels)
Embed from Getty ImagesThe situation: Contracted until 2027
The fit: Hopgood has established himself as a representative-quality lock whose defensive efficiency in the middle of the park ranks with the best. Combined with frequent and skilful ball-play and offloading, he would enable the second-phase play that a PNG style of football demands. Commencing the 2028 season at 28, Hopgood represents a seasoned NRL player moving into his prime and is well placed to set the tone through the middle. His signature would give PNG a package that meets all requirements, together with a level of toughness synonymous with PNG culture.
