Willie Peters has reportedly won the race to be named the inaugural coach of the PNG Chiefs.
According to Code Sports, the World Club Championship-winning coach told his players and staff at Hull KR that he plans to take the job at the NRL’s 19th side ahead of its maiden season in 2028.
The ARLC Commission are understood to have green-lit his appointment, and while talks remain ongoing, Peters has the job, beating out the likes of Brad Arthur and Jason Demetriou.
It will be his first head coach role in the NRL.
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.
In his time at the English outfit he led the club to a Super League title and then 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.
Peters has previously voiced his interest in challenging himself in the NRL.
“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.
