The PNG Chiefs have signed Papua New Guinea international Zac Laybutt on a two-year deal from 2028.
Laybutt will become PNG Chiefs Player #008 when his contract with the North Queensland Cowboys ends in 2027. He has played 42 NRL games since his debut in 2023.
The 24-year-old, who can play wing and centre and has also kicked goals at club and international level, adds further depth to the Chiefs outside backs ahead of the club's maiden campaign.
A proud Kumul, Laybutt has played eight Tests for Papua New Guinea since his debut in 2023, including helping PNG clinch the Pacific Bowl championship over Fiji and featuring at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said the signing was particularly meaningful for the club.
“Having Papua New Guinean players like Zac representing the PNG Chiefs will be incredibly important to our identity and he can help inspire the next generation of rugby league talent in this country by showing what is possible to achieve in the NRL” Ms McPherson said.
“Zac is a wonderful young man, and we are excited to see him take the next steps in his rugby league career with the PNG Chiefs in 2028 and beyond.”
Laybutt is the fifth Kumuls representative to sign with the club, after Alex Johnston was announced as Player #002, and joins Finley Glare, Gairo Voro and Morea Morea who are on development contracts for 2028.
General Manager of Football Michael Chammas said Laybutt understood the significance of what the club was building.
“As a player, he has size, athleticism and versatility to excel in multiple positions, and he has shown already in his career that he can handle the demands and challenges of what it takes to be an NRL player,”Mr. Chammas said.
Coach Willie Peters said he was looking forward to watching Laybutt develop.
“Zac is a quality young man who brings a willingness to work hard for the team, and he will join our club with good NRL experience behind him and a bright future ahead of him,” Peters said.
“We believe he will only continue to improve as a player and we’re looking forward to watching him continue to develop with our team in the years ahead.”