PNG Chiefs sign Laybutt on two-year deal

The PNG Chiefs have signed Papua New Guinea international Zac Laybutt on a two-year deal starting in 2028.

Laybutt will become PNG Chiefs Player #008 at the conclusion of his deal with the Cowboys next season, where he has played 42 NRL games since his debut in 2023.

Having played both wing and centre, Laybutt offers further depth and talent to the club’s outside backs as it continues to build a strong squad for its maiden campaign.

An athletic back who has also kicked goals at club and international level, Laybutt is a proud Kumul with five test appearances following his debut in 2023, where he helped PNG clinch the Pacific Bowl championship over Fiji.

Laybutt has since gone on to play eight tests for the Kumuls, including recent appearances during the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

“We are delighted to have signed Zac, and his signing is particularly meaningful for us as we build a club that proudly represents PNG,” said PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson.

She said having Papua New Guinean players like Zac representing the PNG Chiefs will be incredibly important to the country’s identity.

“He can help inspire the next generation of rugby league talent in this country by showing what is possible to achieve in the NRL.

“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.” She said.

In addition to Finley Glare, Gairo Voro and Morea Morea – who have all been signed on development contracts for 2028 – Laybutt is the fifth Kumuls representative to sign with the club after Alex Johnston was announced as PNG Chiefs Player #002.

PNG Chiefs General Manager – Football Michael Chammas said, “Zac is a player who understands the significance of what we’re building as a club and the opportunity that lies ahead of him as a player here in PNG,”

Chammas said 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.

PNG Chiefs Coach Willie Peters said he was looking forward to watching Laybutt develop and take the next steps in his rugby league journey with the club.

“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.”