Willie Peters has been named the inaugural head coach of the Papua New Guinea Chiefs, the country's new NRL franchise set to enter the league in 2028. The 47-year-old Australian will take up the role at the end of this year after leading Hull Kingston Rovers to an unprecedented English treble in the UK.
Peters expressed confidence about returning to the southern hemisphere, stating that the opportunity with the PNG Chiefs could 'change the lives of Papua New Guineans for generations to come.' He added, 'I want to deliver something that makes every Papua New Guinean proud.'
Michael Chammas, the Chiefs' general manager of football, described the head coach appointment as one of the most critical decisions for the franchise. He noted that Peters was in high demand and that his choice to lead the PNG team 'says everything about the kind of man and coach he is.'
The appointment allows the Chiefs to begin building their inaugural roster, though they can currently only target players whose contracts expire after 2026. The team's entry into the NRL is seen as a landmark step for rugby league in Papua New Guinea, where the sport enjoys passionate support.
The Australian government is contributing $600 million over 10 years to support the team, with the PNG government securing housing for players and staff. From November 2027, players and staff will be based in 67 new units at the Airways resort in Port Moresby, and will benefit from tax-free salaries to attract talent from Australia and New Zealand.
