Willie Peters set to be announced as inaugural PNG Chiefs head coach

World Club Championship-winning and Hull KR coach Willie Peters is set to be announced as the first coach of the PNG Chiefs.

Peters’ management is understood to be in advanced negotiations for a four-year deal that would see him lead Papua New Guinea’s foundation team until the end of 2030.

If all goes to plan, the 47-year-old will do preliminary start-up work next season before taking full charge when the Chiefs enter the NRL as the 19th franchise in 2028.

Peters has reportedly already informed players and staff at Hull KR in the UK about the move.

The ARLC Commission has given the green light for Peters’ appointment. While talks are ongoing, Peters is expected to have the role locked in, with only a contract technicality standing in the way.

Peter V’landys confirmed Peters will be formally named as the Chiefs’ inaugural coach after a process that included interviews with Brad Arthur, Jason Demetriou, and Adrian Lam.

“He’s fully engaged, fully excited,” V’landys told The Daily Telegraph.

“He has got a whole country behind him. We went through a thorough process. We interviewed a number of potential candidates, but Willie has the most potential.

“I saw him first-hand in England with the Kangaroos and he’s a very personable and professional. You can see why he has success.”

V’landys added that Peters and head of football Michael Chammas can now go full steam ahead to build the club’s roster for the maiden 2028 season.

“It is now up to Willie and Chammas to determine the roster," he continued.

"They’ve now got a team ready to look at signing players. They have the two most important positions (coach and head of football) filled.”

The Chiefs will be Peters’ first head coaching job in the NRL. The Australia assistant coach to Kevin Walters will start with PNG once his Hull KR commitments finish at the end of the season.

Peters has long been one of the hottest coaching prospects in the game, having won four trophies in six months. The latest came last month when Hull KR shocked NRL premiers the Broncos 30-24 to win the World Club Challenge.

Hero image: Sky Sports UK.