The PNG Chiefs have narrowed down their head coach shortlist ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2028.
The Chiefs will follow Perth Bears, who yesterday announced the signing of Leeds prop Mikolaj Oledzki, in becoming the competition’s newest franchises.
The Port Moresby-based side have just under two years to get everything in line, from players to sponsors and everything in between.
Their current priority is to name the person who will steer the ship when they arrive in the league, with the head coach role being such a integral role, especially with a new team like the Chiefs.
Reports from Australia have revealed that the shortlist for the role is down to four people, all of whom currently reside in the UK with a decision set to be made in the coming fortnight.
Jason Demetriou is thought to be the favourite for the role, with the current London Broncos boss also being the PNG national team head coach.
Demetriou has NRL coaching experience with South Sydney, and has a strong affiliation with both the country itself and the way they view rugby league, with a number of his current Broncos stars hailing from the nation.
The likes of Gairo Voro, Morea Morea and Finley Glare are currently ripping up the UK’s second tier, and could be in line for a NRL move should the Chiefs look for homegrown talents to make up part of their squad.
Hull KR boss Willie Peters is a man who is in high demand as it stands. The treble-winning coach is constantly on the radar of NRL clubs, with England legend James Graham saying that Manly Sea Eagles “would be naive” not to approach the Rovers boss as a replacement for the under-fire Anthony Seibold.
KR’s Las Vegas counterparts, Leeds Rhinos, could also part ways with their head coach, with Brad Arthur another man that has been named as a potential candidate.
The Rhinos boss’ contract expires at the end of the season, and whilst we don’t know when the future Chiefs boss is expected to start in the role, the 2026 campaign could be the last that the former Parramatta man takes charge at Headingley.
Lastly, another PNG favourite, Adrian Lam has been named in the running. Both Adrian and son Lachlan Lam have deals expiring in 2027, meaning they will be looking for new deals to start in the same season that PNG join the NRL.
Lam Snr. is regarded as a national hero in the country, and having a former PNG player to be the first man to lead the side would certainly get fans on board.
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