Earlier today, it was announced that Hull KR forward Rhyse Martin would retire at the end of the season. Already, his next role within the sport has been confirmed.
Martin, who will feature in the Challenge Cup Final against Wigan Warriors this week, will look to become a three-time Wembley winner after doing so with Leeds in 2020.
He missed last year’s win over Warrington Wolves, but played his part in the Grand Final win of 2025, kicking three conversions at Old Trafford against Wigan Warriors.
The 33-year-old confirmed that, following the end of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup with Papua New Guinea, he would hang up the boots. However, he will still be staying in the sport and will be joining outgoing boss Willie Peters at a new club.
Martin will become PNG Chiefs’ Football Operations Manager from 2027, as the new NRL side lands another key appointment within their staff.
In his role, he will oversee key football operations, player welfare and integration programs, while also helping support players and families transitioning to Papua New Guinea ahead of the club’s inaugural NRL season.
The Chiefs’ General Manager, Michael Chammas, who was over in the UK recently to discuss potential moves for some London Broncos players, said: “Rhyse has had an incredible career as a player, but he still has so much to offer the sport.
“He has the trust of our coach Willie Peters from their time together at Hull KR and they will continue to work closely as Rhyse steps into a new role at the Chiefs.
“Anyone who has ever met Rhyse will talk about the quality of person he is and how passionate he is about Papua New Guinea.
“The combination of those two things makes him such an important off-field signing for the club and we are proud to have him joining our football staff.”
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