Willie Peters on who the PNG Chiefs will chase

The PNG Chiefs have officially named a coach in Willie Peters and he has made one thing clear as he begins building his inaugural roster - talent alone won’t cut it.

Speaking on NRL 360's Heavy Hitters, Peters detailed the blueprint behind his recruitment strategy, with a heavy emphasis on leadership, character and cultural fit over big-name chasing.

“I want to get strong leaders. I think it's really really important that that we get strong leaders… especially in the environment that we're in,” Peters said.

While high-profile names like Nathan Cleary and Cameron Munster have already been floated externally, Peters was quick to temper expectations, noting recruitment rules and timing.

“The guys that you mentioned obviously contracted. We can't speak to anyone until November but of course those guys if they're available appeal to anyone.”

Instead, Peters is focused on building a foundation - and that starts off the field.

“For me good people… that want to be there first and foremost… because if they're coming over for tax-free dollars, they're not going to have an enjoyable time at all.”

“It's about winning rugby league games. It's about building a culture and… uniting a nation through this team. It's about getting the right people involved that want to be there… and then… when you work hard and you're a connected team, you can do some special things.”

Peters also confirmed the club’s long-term vision will prioritise local development, with pathways for homegrown talent a central pillar.

“What we want to build eventually is having as many Papua New Guinea players… playing in that team and giving them a genuine pathway.”

In the short term, though, it’s clear where the focus lies.

“Initially it's around getting strong leaders in the organisation who's going to add value off the field because that's what this club's going to be about.

"It's not just on the field.”