Star rugby brothers Treyvon and Kadin Pritchard have turned down lucrative deals from the PNG Chiefs to remain in the 15-man code.
The star duo had an option to join the Chiefs in their maiden endeavour into the NRL in 2028, but the talented rising duo have instead signed extensions with their respective teams to remain in Rugby Australia.
Treyvon has extended until the end of 2029 with the Queensland Reds, while Kadin will remain at the ACT Brumbies until the next decade with a new contract expiration date of 2030.
The Chiefs have the luxury of offering tax-free dollars to incentivise players to make the switch to Port Moresby, making it a mouth-watering deal to some willing to leave their country.
Younger brother Treyvon admitted there hadn't been much interest from league before the Chiefs came knocking, and revealed the brothers met with the expansion club in May.
“It was exciting (to get the PNG offer) and yeah, we did meet with them, and I think that was probably both our first real kind interest from league. So we tested the waters and we were trying to see what it was all about,” Treyvon said to the Sydney Morning Herald.
“But I think Rugby Australia had a lot to offer as well ... the money is going to come, it's probably not the biggest worry at the moment. We need to focus on establishing ourselves in our respective teams.”
For Kadin, the benefits of rugby on an international scale could simply outweigh the mammoth task of switching codes and changing countries.
“I love rugby union and the possibilities that it can bring with the worldwide game were a big thing for me to stay here,” Kadin said.
“To travel around the world, playing international teams – and even if it's club level, you can go over somewhere like France. The possibilities of doing that sort of thing, you don't get that in other sports.”
Treyvon highlighted his strong loyalty and upbringing around the 15-man game as a core factor why they've brushed big dollars to re-locate to Port Moresby.
“From a young age mum and dad have always instilled in us the value of finishing what you've started and never doing a half job,” he said.
“Our parents taught us to finish what we've started. Loyalty does come into play, too. It's a big part of our everyday lives and something that our parents have made us follow, and it's led into our everyday life.
“Also, coming through from being a 15-year-old in the Reds environment to moving up and training with the older boys while I was still in school with a couple of my mates.
“We all have come through at the same time and we have those connections, and I think a big thing with footy is being able to trust your teammates. If you already have something in place, there's no real reason to kind of change that and switch it up.
“So I think the friendships and the connections that I already have are also a big part of my reasoning to stay in Australian rugby.”
The Chiefs have already bolstered some serious firepower from the NRL, including Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Matty Lees, Zac Lomax and Connor Watson, but have yet to secure a cross-code target.
The club has strong links to Joseph Manu after he flew out to Port Moresby in July, who currently plays in France on a lucrative rugby deal, but the Kiwi star has yet to make a decision on his future back in the NRL.
The NRL's latest expansion side is set to wreak havoc on the player market in November this year when players without a 2028 contract can officially negotiate with the club.
Already laying down a strong foundation of players, the Chiefs have also recruited experienced coaches in Willie Peters and Anthony Seibold to direct the side around the park.
The Chiefs will officially kick off their campaign when the inaugural squad undergoes preseason training in November next year.
