WahsaurusRex
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NRL Papua New Guinea Chiefs
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WahsaurusRex
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REVEALED: Willie Peters set to be named as first PNG Chiefs coach in big blow to NRL rivals
Willie Peters is set to be unveiled as the first coach of the PNG Chiefs, according to multiple reports.The 47-year-old, a former South Sydney and St George Illawarra halfback, has been in charge of the Super League’s Hull KR for four seasons, leading the club to a historic win over the Brisbane Broncos in February’s World Club Challenge. He also assisted Kevin Walters’ Australian side during last year’s Ashes series.
But on Friday morning AEDT, reports emerged that Peters is expected to be announced as coach of the NRL’s 19th side ahead of its maiden season in 2028, albeit the paperwork is yet to be finalised.
News Corp reports that Peters has told players and staff at Hull KR of the impending move.
It will be his first coaching gig at the NRL, beating out the likes of Brad Arthur, Adrian Lam and Jason Demetriou for the job.
Kangaroos training Kevin Walters and Willie Peters. Picture: NRL PhotosSource: Supplied
“I believe I’m ready to go,” Peters said when asked about the prospect of an NRL coaching job last month.
“The only way you can show that is by getting an opportunity in the NRL and proving yourself. I’ve always been the type of person who lets my actions do the talking.
“My family and I have really enjoyed being over here, but if the opportunity arises, I’ll certainly look at the NRL. It would be great to prove myself back in the NRL at some stage.
“It’s a unique opportunity because it’s a team where you can create the culture and DNA of a club for many years.
“But setting up the culture of PNG would excite me. Connection and care are the two values that I hold really closely to any team that I coach and it’s what I value.”
Peters will reportedly start with PNG when his commitments at Hull KR finish at the end of the season.
Goods news !
Despite not travelling well so far this year , he did a great job with Hull KR.
I wonder who his Assistant coaches will be ?
Will they look at a coach with PNG heritage together with an Aussie or Englishman ?
I thought Jason Demetric (sp) may have got a look in .
Despite not travelling well so far this year , he did a great job with Hull KR.
I wonder who his Assistant coaches will be ?
Will they look at a coach with PNG heritage together with an Aussie or Englishman ?
I thought Jason Demetric (sp) may have got a look in .
Ben Te'o ?
WahsaurusRex
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Alex Johnston becomes first PNG Chiefs NRL signing for 2028
South Sydney ace Alex Johnston – the greatest tryscorer in NRL history – is the first signing for the Papua New Guinea Chiefs.This masthead can reveal Johnston has made history by becoming the first player to sign with the NRL’s 19th club ahead of Papua New Guinea’s entry to the big league in 2028.
At a time when PNG are ramping up their poaching bid for Tigers star Jarome Luai, the Chiefs have landed their first blow by securing Johnston.
It is understood Johnston has shaken hands on a one-year deal worth around $325,000 in tax-free dollars.
The 31-year-old agreed to terms on Monday night and formally advised his South Sydney teammates and coach Wayne Bennett on Tuesday in a historic coup for the $600 million Pacific powerhouse.
It is the first strike by PNG football boss Michael Chammas, who is also setting his sights on luring Luai from the Tigers.
The signing of Johnston will make him an instant national hero given his PNG heritage and remarkable contribution to the Rabbitohs since his NRL debut for the club in 2014.
Johnston has the blessing of Souths coach Bennett and will remain with the Rabbitohs for the 2027 season before leading the PNG revolution in 2028.
The flying winger has ties to Lumi in PNG’s Sanduan Province and made his Test debut for the Kumuls in 2019, scoring four tries in 12 internationals for the league-obsessed nation.
PNG’s signing of Johnston comes just weeks after the Souths speed demon entered the record books by eclipsing Ken Irvine (212) as the NRL’s all-time leading tryscorer.
Johnston now has 219 career tries from 250 games and could be on track to score a remarkable 250 four-pointers if he continues his strike rate with the Rabbitohs and PNG over the next two-and-a-half seasons.
Johnston will be 33 when he starts his career with PNG but the Chiefs are confident the Souths sensation can withstand a 15th season of NRL in 2028.
Johnston recently revealed he was open to finishing his career with the Chiefs as a nod to his PNG bloodlines.
“I’m signed for this year and next year at Souths and after that, if I’ve still got some miles to go in the legs, I’ll definitely be talking to the Chiefs,” he told Channel 9.
“It would be pretty cool to be one of the first signed for a Papua New Guinean team.
“They absolutely love footy over there and I’ve got a good relationship with the fans and the prime minister over there.
“I think that’s something I’d look forward to.”
Now PNG have got their man.
Do find it funny (and hypocritical) with Luai been spotted in PM over the weekend- particularly over the “Loyalty” high horse he got on with the Galvin saga
Blain
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At least PNG are making big early moves, unlike the Bears who are terribly lacking right now with an unproven coach. Heard a Journo mention there is unrest in the management over there already..
Does anyone know - The no tax rules for PNG (crazy advantage BTW), is that a PNG standard government thing, or and NRL specific set of rules?
Does anyone know - The no tax rules for PNG (crazy advantage BTW), is that a PNG standard government thing, or and NRL specific set of rules?
Pretty sure it's a NRL specific agreement between the Aus govt and PNG govt.
Luai signed on big money to try and get the Tigers out of a hole. He seems to be doing that, but really soon his contract is going to be an issue. With Madden going well, the Tigers are probably encouraging it
Luai officially signed now?
Ref
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It’s like a throwback to visiting the circus/carnival.
Step right up. Everybody wins.
Its a smart move for everyone involved IMO. Luai will be 31 by the time he laces his boots for them.
He obviously gets the cash. And why not capitalise when his perennial wooden spooners are near the top.
PNG get a marquee name to sell to other players.
West Tigers get 1.2m to spend on someone else.
I hope the Chiefs are a success. PNG deserves it.
He obviously gets the cash. And why not capitalise when his perennial wooden spooners are near the top.
PNG get a marquee name to sell to other players.
West Tigers get 1.2m to spend on someone else.
I hope the Chiefs are a success. PNG deserves it.
snake77
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The way his contract is structured Luai is within his rights to investigate the Chiefs setup.
One thing I find funny is I'm pretty sure he said recently he got rid of his clauses or he was comitted so no need to discuss clauses anymore. Here we are again and he had a deadline on a clause coming up.
As much as I understand the frustration some Tigers fans may have after their years of struggles and now it looks like as they are turning things around their star signing looks to be leaving. He will see out this year and next. So, he would have spent 3 years with the Tigers.
It will be more frustrating if a group of players from the same club up leave for the Chiefs with him. A lot of names from the Tigers and Panthers being mentioned.
One thing I find funny is I'm pretty sure he said recently he got rid of his clauses or he was comitted so no need to discuss clauses anymore. Here we are again and he had a deadline on a clause coming up.
As much as I understand the frustration some Tigers fans may have after their years of struggles and now it looks like as they are turning things around their star signing looks to be leaving. He will see out this year and next. So, he would have spent 3 years with the Tigers.
It will be more frustrating if a group of players from the same club up leave for the Chiefs with him. A lot of names from the Tigers and Panthers being mentioned.
