ENGLAND prop Matty Lees has signed with PNG Chiefs for two years from 2028 – the first scalp from the NRL expansion club’s recent recruitment expedition to Britain.
Lees’ current club, St Helens, announced the signing on Tuesday morning. He joins Jahrome Luai, Alex Johnston and Connor Watson as the Chiefs’ inaugural signings.
“Sometimes in life, when an opportunity comes, you have to take it on,” the 28-year-old said in a statement issued by Saints.
“Playing in the NRL has been a dream of mine for a very long time and the opportunity that has been presented to my family and me is one that I could not turn away from.
“I will forever be grateful to the Club, the fans, my team-mates and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. St.Helens has shaped me both as a player and as a person, and I’ll always be indebted to this club for everything it has given me.
“That said, I still have another season to play here, and my focus remains on doing everything I can to help bring more success and silverware to this great club.”
Lees has played 199 times for St Helens and is currently sidelined with a knee injury. He has played 12 Tests for England.
Chiefs GM Michael Chammas and recruitment manager Liam Ayoub recently spent a fortnight in the UK, meeting with players and their agents.
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