Who are the contenders for the PNG coaching job?

With the PNG Chiefs nearing their entry as the NRL’s 19th team, Chad Townsend and Jimmy Smith have gone through some of the candidates who could become the side’s first-ever coach.

Having now appointed a GM of Football in Michael Chammas, attention has now shifted to who the club appoints to the role of head coach.

It is extremely important that the Chiefs nail this selection, as the coach will play a significant role in shaping the new team's environment and helping recruit players to the Chiefs, who are already facing an uphill battle.

Speaking on SEN’s Kick Off about who could take up the inaugural coaching role, Smith and Townsend would run through three potential candidates for the role.

Smith: “If we think GM (of Football) and CEO and Chair (of the board) are really important, the announcement and the identification of the coach is the single most important appointment in the franchise.”  

Townsend: “And I think at the moment those two Michael Chammas spoke about (in Jason) Demetriou and (Adrian) Lam would be the front runners (for the role) you’d assume?”

“The connections they both have. Adrian Lam with PNG and Demetriou, the current national coach.”

“Where do you see the coaching (search) go?”

Smith: “Close your eyes. Jason Demetriou, you’re an elite-level player in the National Rugby League. Is he dragging you to Port Moresby?”

Townsend: “At this stage, respectfully, probably not.”

Smith: “Adrian Lam?”

Townsend; “Probably not at the moment.”

Smith: “Willie Peters?”

Townsend: “Yes. Definitely.”

“What Willie Peters has done, the impressive resume he’s put together over in the Super League and spent some time with Kevvie (Walters in the Ashes as well as the assistant coach of Australia.”

“I just don’t know if Willie Peters would take any position at the moment.”

That would be a concern held by Smith as well.

“New coach into a new franchise. You can’t make it any harder for yourself,” he added.

Although, it appears that Peters is open to the role with News Corp reporting that the Hull KR coach has expressed interest in coaching the side.

The Chiefs are expected to enter the NRL in 2028.