Veteran player agent Steve Gillis has revealed players are asking him about PNG, and whether the club would be interested or not.
While he refused to put any names to the speculation, it's clear the money being splashed by the club in the tax-free bracket is talking to players.
PNG have already made seven signings despite not being able to talk to most players until November 1.
They first gained permission to sign Jarome Luai and Alex Johnston, then followed the duo up with Connor Watson and Matty Lees, who plays in the Super League.
Brian To'o is the other current NRL player who was given permission to, and subsequently sign with, the club early after originally telling the Penrith Panthers he would be leaving at the end of 2027 in May of this year.
Rugby union duo Zac Lomax and Joseph Manu have also signed on the dotted line for the club who are building impressively towards their first season.
While questions have been raised about the Chiefs' salary cap balancing act, the club are also in talks with Hudson Young, who they have thrown big money at, and are rumoured to be looking at a host of other players from November 1, including Penrith Panthers, NSW Blues and Australian Kangaroos halfback Nathan Cleary.
Speaking on Fanatics TV, Gillis said players are asking.
“They certainly ask the question, would PNG be interested in me?” Gillis said.
“You can't negotiate before November 1, but be assured New Guinea know every player that's off contract at the end of 2027.
“They'd have depth charts and whiteboards and computer data and they know exactly what they're doing.”
The experienced player agent said that, based on conversations he is having, he expected the club will have a dozen signings by Christmas.
“While they've done extremely well to sign seven players already, when you think about it, they've got another year to go,” he said.
“From November 1, you're not going to see a lull (in signings) until February or March next year before they get going again.
“They are ready and loaded to be extremely aggressive in the marketplace soon after November 1.
“They'd have their targets, and then once you are, under the rules, allowed to engage and negotiate, those negotiations will open up.
“I would expect they would have at least a dozen signed by Christmas, maybe more.”
Zero Tackle understands the club certainly have aspirations of adding at least three, and probably more, signings by Christmas, although the recent call to stop negotiations with Cameron Muster as they look to hold out for November 1 to understand the market says there will be some degree of patience.
The Chiefs will play their first game in 2028.
