PNG's 2028 NRL dream gathers pace with key coaching and player recruitment moves

Papua New Guinea's preparations for its historic National Rugby League (NRL) entry in 2028 have taken another step forward with the future PNG Chiefs building both their coaching staff and player pathway.

The latest developments come with the appointment of experienced Australian Luke Burt as assistant coach of the incoming franchise and a new recruitment strategy by the SP PNG Hunters aimed at strengthening the talent pipeline into the NRL team.

The PNG Chiefs are set to become Papua New Guinea's first NRL club when they enter the competition in 2028, a landmark moment for the country's national sport.

For PNG rugby league fans, the message is clear: planning for 2028 is well underway.

Burt confirmed his appointment after guiding the Burleigh Bears to a 22-12 Hostplus Cup win over the Hunters in Port Moresby.

He will work alongside head coach Willie Peters, who is currently with Hull KR in England's Super League.

Burt said discussions with Michael Chammas, Chiefs General Manager of Football, left him excited about the scale of the opportunity.

"I got off the phone like a little kid. I was that excited," Burt told The National.

He said he and Peters shared similar views on culture, standards and building a successful club environment.

The SP PNG Hunters are expanding their recruitment strategy as they look to strengthen the pathway between the Hostplus Cup club and the future PNG Chiefs NRL franchise. Photo/PNG Hunters

He believes the groundwork being put in place now will help set the franchise up for success when it enters the NRL.

Burt also praised the club's early recruitment efforts, describing the signings as quality additions that show strong intent.

The recruitment drive has already attracted some of the biggest names in rugby league.

Sāmoan international and four-time NRL premiership winner Jarome Luai became the club's first signing before South Sydney great and Papua New Guinea representative Alex Johnston joined the project.

NSW State of Origin utility Connor Watson has also signed while the club continues to build its inaugural squad ahead of its 2028 debut.

The SP PNG Hunters are also broadening their own recruitment strategy as they prepare to play a key role in developing future Chiefs players.

Scott Barker, Hunters' chief executive, confirmed the club is now exploring opportunities to recruit players from rival Hostplus Cup teams, provided any deals remain within Queensland Rugby League rules and salary cap restrictions.

Barker said the Hunters must evolve alongside the arrival of the NRL franchise.

"We're the pathway and for a long period of time we've been at the top of that pathway," his statement read. "The Chiefs are coming in and they become the top of that pathway so we want to work closely with them and make sure players are ready for opportunities in 2028."

The Hunters are expected to play a major role in developing local talent for the Chiefs with players progressing through the Hostplus Cup system before pushing for NRL selection.

The move could see the Hunters target experienced Hostplus Cup players to help strengthen the current squad while also mentoring younger talent coming through the system.

When asked whether the club would pursue proven players from elsewhere in the competition, Barker's answer was simple.

"Absolutely. If a player becomes available and we can fit them inside the salary cap, then it's possible," he said.

Barker acknowledged recruitment remained challenging because of travel costs, player payments and salary cap pressures. But he said the chance to be part of PNG's NRL journey is already creating interest among players.

"If we can make it work and players want to come to the Hunters for another opportunity, absolutely we can do that."

With key coaching appointments being locked in and pathways being strengthened, the foundations for PNG's historic NRL entry are steadily taking shape.

Burt is expected to join the Chiefs in November 2027.