Transfer News: New NRL franchise set to poach talented Wallabies youngster

reports there has also been interest from other NRL clubs, although the chance to join a brand-new franchise could hold particular appeal.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 19-year-old Pritchard, who scored his first Super Rugby try against the Chiefs last weekend, met with PNG Chiefs officials in Brisbane on Tuesday.

Treyvon’s older brother Kadin Pritchard, currently with the Brumbies, was also involved in talks about joining the inaugural PNG Chiefs squad in 2028.

Under current NRL rules, clubs cannot approach players who will be off contract by the time the Chiefs enter the competition until November. As a result, the Papua New Guinea franchise is focusing its recruitment efforts on rugby union talent for now.

Reports linking the Chiefs with Wallabies star Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i are believed to be inaccurate, according to SMH sources familiar with the situation.

However, the same cannot be said for Pritchard, who turned 19 only last month and is already viewed as one of rugby’s brightest young prospects.

Capable of playing wing, fullback and centre, Pritchard has featured in eight Super Rugby matches and scored his first senior try for the Reds last week, finishing off a clever late run against the New Zealand-based Chiefs.

Some pundits have already tipped the youngster as a potential Wallabies bolter this season. With more experience, Pritchard could emerge as a genuine contender for Australia’s 2027 Rugby World Cup squad.

Pritchard remains contracted to the Queensland Rugby Union until 2027 after extending his deal last year. The Sydney Morning Herald

While Pritchard, who played rugby league until the age of 15, has previously said he chose to stay in rugby because he enjoys being at the Reds, the Chiefs’ ability to offer tax-free salaries may prove difficult to ignore.

A tax-free deal worth $300,000 per season in Papua New Guinea could leave Pritchard with similar take-home pay to a $500,000 rugby contract, which sits among the elite salaries in the 15-man game.

To compete financially, Rugby Australia would likely need to make a substantial offer based largely on Pritchard’s potential.

If he were to join the Chiefs from 2028, there is a strong possibility he would no longer be available for Wallabies selection. With a home Rugby World Cup approaching, that could provide a compelling reason for him to remain in rugby union for now.