Chiefs coup: PNG locks in premiership-winning coach as Peters’ right-hand man
The PNG Chiefs have pulled off a massive off-field coup for their inaugural 2028 NRL campaign, securing the services of premiership-winning Burleigh Bears coach Luke Burt.
The incoming franchise has locked in the Parramatta Eels legend as an assistant coach to Willie Peters. Burt will officially arrive in Port Moresby in November 2027.
The former sharpshooter will also pull double duty as the club’s specialist goal-kicking coach.
Luke made 264 appearances for the club, scoring 124 tries to become their all-time
leading try-scorer, and being a part of their team in the 2001 and 2009 Grand Finals.
After apprenticeship roles at the Eels and the Titans, which included a brief stint in the NRL hot seat as Gold Coast's interim coach in 2019, Burt took the steering wheel at Queensland Cup powerhouse Burleigh in 2023.
His impact was immediate. He steered the Bears to a Minor Premiership and a Grand Final appearance in his rookie year as coach, before ultimately hoisting the premiership trophy last season.
Chiefs General Manager of Football, Michael Chammas, said Burt's ability to breed success at the reserve-grade level made him a priority target.
"He had an exceptional career as a player, but what excites us the most is what he has done as a coach," Chammas said. "He has shown he can develop players and build a winning culture through what he has done at the Burleigh Bears."
The transition to PNG is already in motion. Burt and his partner, Madelin, recently flew into Port Moresby to scout the layout and immerse themselves in the country's fanatical rugby league culture.
"They absolutely loved their time in the country," Chammas revealed. "They are excited about the opportunity to build something special with the Chiefs alongside our head coach, Willie Peters."
The appointment is another calculated chess piece laid down by the Chiefs board as they construct an NRL-ready football department from scratch.
By securing a coach of Burt's caliber more than a year before the squad reports for pre-season, the Chiefs are ensuring that when November 2027 rolls around, the infrastructure around Willie Peters is elite, stable, and ready to compete from day one.