Sports News Report
League: NRLSport: RugbyCountry: AustraliaCategory: Injuries

Matty Lees signs with PNG Chiefs for 2028 NRL season

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 8:02 AM

Last updated Jun 2, 2026

Matty Lees signs with PNG Chiefs for 2028 NRL season
Summary

St Helens captain Matty Lees will join the new NRL franchise Papua New Guinea Chiefs starting in 2028. The Chiefs will enter the league as the 18th team, following the Perth Bears in 2027. Lees, who has played for St Helens since 2017 and captained the team in 2026, activated an NRL break clause in his contract. He expressed gratitude to St Helens and emphasized his commitment to the club for the remainder of the current season while pursuing his long-held ambition of playing in the NRL.

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Status Watch
  • •Matty Lees will join PNG Chiefs in 2028.
  • •The Chiefs will be the 18th team in the NRL.
  • •Lees activated a break clause in his St Helens contract.
  • •He has been with St Helens since 2017, captaining in 2026.
  • •Lees remains focused on achieving success with St Helens this season.
Latest Updates
  • 8:02 AMYahoo Sports — Lees to leave Saints to join PNG Chiefs
What they're saying
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St Helens have announced that their captain and England prop Matty Lees will join new NRL franchise PNG Chiefs from 2028.

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St Helens announce that their England forward Matty Lees will leave them to join new NRL franchise PNG Chiefs in 2028.

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