Kumuls Rhyse Martin joins PNG Chiefs football department.

The PNG Chiefs today announced in a statement, the appointment of Rhyse Martin as the club’s Football Operations Manager from 2027.

Proudly connected to Hula in Central Province through his father, Martin returns home as one of Papua New Guinea’s most respected rugby league figures, having forged an outstanding professional career across both the NRL and Super League while becoming a leader and role model for the PNG Kumuls.

Martin made his international debut for PNG in 2014 and later captained the Kumuls, becoming one of the nation’s most capped representatives with 18 Test appearances. He remains the Kumuls all-time leading point scorer and one of the most recognisable PNG rugby league players of the modern era.

After making his NRL debut for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2018, Martin went on to build an impressive Super League career with Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR, making more than 160 appearances in the UK competition.

Over the past two seasons, Martin has worked under future PNG Chiefs Head Coach Willie Peters at Hull KR, where he established himself as one of the competition’s most consistent and respected performers.

Martin also holds the world record for the most consecutive goals kicked, with 41 straight conversions during his time at Leeds Rhinos.

Away from the field, Martin has continued to invest heavily in his leadership and education, completing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Sports Studies and developing a strong reputation for professionalism, preparation and player leadership.

As Football Operations Manager, Martin will oversee key football operations, player welfare and integration programs, while also helping support players and families transitioning to Papua New Guinea ahead of the club’s inaugural NRL season.

His appointment forms part of the PNG Chiefs’ long-term vision to build a football program grounded in Papua New Guinean identity, leadership and culture, while combining international experience and elite professional standards across the organisation.

PNG Chiefs General Manager Football Michael Chammas said Martin’s appointment represented a significant addition to the club’s football leadership team.

“Rhyse has had an incredible career as a player but he still has so much to offer the sport. He has the trust of our coach Willie Peters from their time together at Hull KR and they will continue to work closely as Rhyse steps into a new role at the Chiefs. Anyone who has ever met Rhyse will talk about the quality of person he is and how passionate he is about Papua New Guinea. The combination of those two things makes him such an important off-field signing for the club and we are proud to have him joining our football staff,” said Michael Chammas.

PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said Martin’s appointment reinforced the club’s commitment to building a world-class organisation both on and off the field.

“Every appointment we make is about building the right culture, the right leadership and the right foundations for long-term success. Rhyse represents everything we want this club to stand for — professionalism, humility, leadership and deep pride in Papua New Guinea. We are incredibly proud to welcome him and his family home as part of this journey towards 2028,” said Lorna McPherson.

Martin will relocate to Port Moresby with his wife Vanessa and their two children ahead of the club’s full operational launch in October 2027.