St Helens have confirmed that their captain and England international prop Matty Lees will depart the club at the end of the 2027 season to join the NRL's newest franchise, the Papua New Guinea Chiefs, from 2028. The move ends a decade-long association with the Saints and marks a significant moment for both the player and the transcontinental rugby league landscape.
Lees rose through the St Helens academy and made his senior debut in 2017, quickly establishing himself as one of Super League's most rugged and consistent forwards. He played a pivotal role in the side's unprecedented four consecutive Grand Final victories from 2019 to 2022, as well as their famous World Club Challenge triumph over Penrith Panthers in 2023. Succeeding the iconic James Roby as club captain in 2026, Lees embodied the relentless spirit that defined St Helens' modern dynasty.
The PNG Chiefs, set to enter the NRL as the 18th team in 2028, have made a clear statement of intent with this signing. Following the high-profile acquisition of four-time Premiership winner Jarome Luai, landing a player of Lees' stature from the northern hemisphere reinforces their ambition to be immediately competitive. The franchise will be coached by Willie Peters, fresh from delivering a historic treble with Hull KR in 2025, adding further Super League expertise to their project.
St Helens chief executive Eamonn McManus addressed the transfer with candour, explaining that Lees had an NRL break clause written into his contract for 2028. He praised the player's transparency and commitment, noting that by activating the clause exactly as agreed, Lees demonstrated the same integrity he shows on the field. McManus stressed that Lees would remain fully committed to the Saints until his departure and that the club supported his long-held ambition to test himself in the NRL.
In a statement, Lees reflected on his journey from academy prospect to club captain, describing St Helens as family. He acknowledged that the chance to play in the world's premier rugby league competition was a lifelong dream, and the specific opportunity presented by the Chiefs was too compelling to decline. Crucially, he emphasized that his immediate focus is on returning from injury and helping St Helens chase more silverware next season.
That injury is a complicating factor. Lees sustained a serious knee issue during the Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Wigan and is likely to miss the remainder of the current campaign. His absence has already been felt, and the long-term planning now becomes more delicate. The Saints will need to identify a successor to lead the pack, both in terms of on-field intensity and off-field leadership, knowing that their cornerstone will be moving on in 18 months.
For Super League, the transfer reinforces a familiar narrative of top talent being targeted by NRL clubs, but it also highlights a growing level of respect and structured negotiation between the two competitions. The existence of a formal break clause, honored by all parties, may serve as a model for future cross-league moves, reducing acrimony and benefiting player career development.
Lees will bring to the Chiefs much more than just his powerful running and aggressive defence. His experience in big games, his captaincy, and his proven ability to perform under pressure are exactly the qualities a new franchise needs to build a culture of excellence. As the club prepares to represent a passionate rugby league nation in Papua New Guinea, having a leader of Lees' character could accelerate their integration into the NRL.
The Chiefs' appointment of Peters as head coach is a complementary piece of this puzzle. Peters masterminded Hull KR's transformation into a dominant force, culminating in a clean sweep of domestic titles and a World Club Challenge victory over Brisbane Broncos. His intimate knowledge of the British game will help Lees transition smoothly and allow the coach to build his forward pack around a familiar and trusted asset.
With one full season left at St Helens, Lees has the opportunity to write a final glorious chapter. The club will undoubtedly look to mark his farewell with a return to the summit, perhaps even a record-extending fifth title of his tenure. The player's personal drive to leave on a high note could prove an inspirational force within the dressing room.
The rugby league world will watch with interest as the PNG project takes shape, and as one of Super League's true warriors prepares to cross the globe. The move underscores the sport's ever-increasing connectivity and the shared respect between its major leagues.
Based on reporting from Sky Sports.