Leeds Rhinos-linked coach lands international gig

After being linked with the Leeds Rhinos role earlier this year, Jason Demetriou has taken on an international role.

Although he’s Australian, Demetriou spent his entire playing career in England, predominantly spending time with Wakefield Trinity.

However, his most notable coaching role to date has been with South Sydney Rabbitohs, where he held the head coach role from 2022 to 2024, before being sacked due to poor results and, reportedly, a poor relationship with key names at the club, including Sam Burgess and Latrell Mitchell.

After Leeds Rhinos sacked Rohan Smith earlier this year, Demetriou was one of the main names linked with the vacant role at Headingley.

Reportedly, he went as far as having an interview with the club before former Parramatta Eels head coach Brad Arthur was chosen on an initial deal until the end of the season, which has since been extended through 2025.

Leeds Rhinos – linked coach lands international gig

It has now been confirmed that Jason Demetriou will take on the role of head coach for Papua New Guinea.

Speaking after his appointment, Demetriou said: “The game in PNG is going from strength to strength and it is a fantastic opportunity to work with such a talented squad.

“I have watched the team with interest in recent years and they have a passion for the game that shows itself every time they pull on the Kumuls jersey and represent their country.

“I know that a tremendous amount of work is being done at school and academy level to help prepare the next generation of players and I’m incredibly excited to be able to work off the back of that with the senior team.

“It is a great time to be involved in the game in this country and I’m excited about what lies ahead.”

This comes shortly after confirmation that Papua New Guinea, alongside Australia, will be hosts for the next Rugby League World Cup.