Alex Johnston’s big year is about to get bigger and the Kumuls star is daring to dream of World Cup glory with Papua New Guinea, declaring: "Why can't we go all the way."

After breaking Ken Irvine’s 53-year-old NRL try scoring record in March, he became the first PNG-heritage player to sign for the NRL’s newest franchise, the PNG Chiefs, in May.

“It’s weird to think… with the Chiefs I never thought there’d be an actually PNG NRL side while I was playing,” 31 year-old Johnston said.

“Having the (PNG) Hunters play (QRL) and help set up this pathway for younger kids to realise the NRL is closer than you think.

“If you do everything right – there’s a lot of talent in PNG – tick all the boxes, work hard, it’s a genuine possibility now.”

The biggest part is still to come – running out for the Kumuls in his second World Cup - and Johnston can’t wait.

“Personally in my head I just want to make the semis and do one better than we’ve ever done,” he said.

“It was the quarters last World Cup (lost to England) so I just want to beat that.

“We’ve got some tough teams, in Samoa, England and Lebanon, but if we can beat them why can’t we go all the way?

“First goal is get out of that group stage and anything is possible from there.”

Photo: The Kumuls are rising and Alex Johnston believes they can shock the world at RLWC26. @NRL Photos

Johnston will link with his former Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou, who is PNG coach now.

Unlike the 2022 tournament played in the UK and out of reach for most PNG fans, the 2026 edition is in their backyard.

The Kumuls play their opening two World Cup games at Santos National Stadium in Port Moresby against Lebanon on October 17 and Samoa on October 24.

Their final pool game is against England on October 30 at WIN Stadium in Wollongong.

PNG will make their presence felt with expected members of the World Cup squad including prop Cooper Bai, centre Zac Laybutt, hooker Edwin Ipape, fullback Morea Morea, and young playmakers Finlay Glare and Gairo Voro.

Johnston has played 13 Tests, with his first on the wing for Australia in the 2015 Anzac Test against New Zealand.

His first Test in Kumuls colours wasn’t until the 2019 Oceania Cup against Fiji.

“I was actually very nervous because it had been a long-time coming. So I wanted to do the family proud but obviously the nation crowd,” Johnston said.

“I was an NRL first-grader for a few years so to finally get that jersey on I wanted to put my best foot forward and show everyone in PNG, as well as my teammates, what I could do in the jersey.”

Johnston’s grandmother, Mary, was born and raised in the village of Lumi, West Sepik Province.

It’s extremely important to Johnston to showcase his PNG roots in his everyday life.

“Just me being me, whether that’s a footy player or family man, will show I’m Papua New Guinean by
blood – that’s my heritage.

“I represent them with everything I do, not just footy, but also hopefully being a good role model for not only my kids but every kid around the world and especially in PNG. That’s what I aim to do.”

His longevity has allowed him that. He is the only one still playing in the NRL from the 2015 Australian side he debuted in.

Breaking Irvine’s 212 tries – he’s now up to 231 – is further evidence.

Photo: Alex Johnston's record breaking try in Round 2 sparked incredible celebrations at Allianz Stadium. @NRL Photos

“I guess I was lucky I was able to start pretty young … got that first (Test) jersey when I was 20 – just very lucky to be in that position.”

Johnston made his NRL debut at 19 for South Sydney in 2014 and scored five tries in his first three games.

“I don’t know about good diet or whatever, I just love playing footy – it’s my life; I’ve devoted everything to it.

“I do what I can each week to get up for each game week-by-week so I can keep playing for years and
years.

“There’s probably a bit of genetics going on in there too, but I just love the game.”

Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.