Misryoum reports how a PNG supporter mistook James Graham for Sam Burgess, with PNG Chiefs also landing Alex Johnston.
A Papua New Guinea fan’s selfie moment took an unexpected turn this week, with James Graham ending up mistaken for Rabbitohs great Sam Burgess.
Graham. currently 40 and known as a rugby league identity in his own right. was in Port Moresby as Michael Chammas. the PNG Chiefs general manager of football. continued a high-profile charm push tied to the NRL club’s presence.. Graham was pictured meeting locals and taking photos as part of the visit. but one excited supporter clearly had a different player in mind.
The supporter posted about what he believed was a meeting with Burgess, referencing the iconic South Sydney connection. Misryoum understands the confusion was straightforward: despite Graham’s own status in the NRL and beyond, the fan thought he was getting the Rabbitohs legend instead.
Meanwhile, the attention around PNG league news is growing for more than just viral moments. Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has confirmed he will join the PNG Chiefs for their inaugural 2028 NRL season, describing the move as a “blessing in disguise” after the deal was finalized.
For Johnston, the decision also carries personal weight. He emphasized that he has been a “one-club” player in his career so far and framed the switch as something he and his family have been looking forward to, with the opportunity to represent PNG heritage along the way.
In this context, Johnston’s arrival is also being seen as part of the Chiefs’ wider recruitment momentum, following earlier confirmation that Wests Tigers star Jarome Luai is set to be a marquee signing for the club.
Misryoum notes that Johnston also moved to address any concerns about player safety in Port Moresby, pointing to the reality that the biggest risk, as he joked, would be the number of handshakes and photos rather than anything more serious.
And while one fan’s mix-up with Sam Burgess is likely to keep spreading online, it also underlines how fast the PNG Chiefs story is catching attention across the rugby league world.
What matters most right now is that the Chiefs are building momentum on and off the field, with big names backing the move as anticipation for the 2028 season continues to rise.