Chiefs confident in Peters
The Papua New Guinea Chiefs are certain that inaugural coach Willie Peters will deliver a memorable debut in the National Rugby League [NRL] when the club makes its historic entry in 2028.
Following Peters' appointment as the inaugural head coach, PNG Chiefs General Manager Michael Chammas said the club has realistic expectations but remains highly confident he will bring success to the franchise.
"I think he puts it on himself. He expects success wherever he goes, he has shown that at Hull Kingston Rovers. He is not going to be shy in saying this team is going to be competitive, and the expectation is that we are competitive from year one," Chammas said.
"I think the one thing that is going to be unique is the fact that they are having to live together, and you know, people from different cultures living together. That is a challenge that he is up for, and I think that is what excites him."
Peter is set to build a strong coaching staff and a competitive playing roster ahead of its historic entry. Chammas said Peters sets his own high standards and does not need external pressure.
"He has done everything that he had to achieve at Hull KR, and now he is on to the next challenge. We do not need to put that expectation on him; he has already said it to us. We are not going to be about making up the numbers; we are going to be competitive from the outset," he said.
Peters surged past three rival coaches in Jason Demetriou, Brad Arthur, and Adrian Lam, for the maiden Chiefs role after a highly successful stint with English Super League club Hull Kingston Rovers.
Peters turned the English club into an absolute powerhouse, masterminding a historic domestic treble in 2025 by winning the Challenge Cup, the League Leaders' Shield, and the Super League Grand Final after a dominant 24-6 victory over the Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford.
He followed that up by guiding Hull KR to the World Club Challenge title against the Brisbane Broncos in February.
Boasting an impressive coaching resume in recent times, the world champion coach will officially join the Chiefs at the end of the 2026 Super League season.
PNG Chiefs Chief Executive Officer Lorna McPherson said the club is proud to secure the services of a coach who is currently in high demand across the rugby league world.
"It is a historic day and something that I am really proud of. It is another step in the right direction of where we are going," McPherson said. "Not only that, we have got an amazing coach and one that many other clubs were looking at as well, so we are really honored to have somebody of Willie Peters' calibre joining the Chiefs."
PNG Kumuls legend Stanley Gene, who is currently playing a crucial role in mentoring and coaching development in the country as the PNGRFL Coach Development Manager, also expressed optimism in Peters. Gene previously served alongside Peters as an assistant coach at Hull KR.
"When he actually moved to Hull Kingston Rovers, he was part of the reason I got the opportunity to get over to play in England, it changed my life," Gene said.
"So the club is always very close to me. For him to actually be there for three years and a couple of months and achieve what he did… the records speak for themselves. For a coach, it was a special time. He looks forward to a challenge like that. He has been there when the club was chasing a trophy, so he is a guy that can handle the challenges he is going through."