NRL's "most wanted" set to secure PNG's top job

Willie Peters has beaten some of the biggest names in rugby league and is set to be named as PNG's inaugural head coach.

Dubbed "the most wanted man in rugby league", Peters, who is currently at the helm of UK league side Hull KR, is understood to have told his players and staff he will step down from his current role at the end of their season.

"Strategically it's a really good idea for him to be involved in the Kangaroos," Jimmy Smith said on SEN 1170 Breakfast. "He has built a relationship with theses guys. I'm not saying he will get them but he can have conversations with them and they know what he is like as a coach.

"From Willie's point of view, a lot of jobs will come available in rugby league, some of which wont be attractive to him. But as a young coach and a first-time coach in the NRL, to go to a new franchise, and not just any new franchise, it's PNG, to be thrown into that, I think is going to be incredibly challenging."

Peters played in the NRL during the 1990s and 2000s with two stints at the Rabbitohs and one at the Dragons.

He also had shorter stints at Wigan Warriors and Gateshead Thunder.

Since retiring, the 47-year-old held assistant coaching roles at manly before working under Wayne Bennett at the Rabbitohs and moving to the Knights.

In 2022 it was confirmed he would lead Hull KR where last season he guided the club to its first silverware in 40 years.