History has been made in Papua New Guinea with Willie Peters appointed as the inaugural Head Coach of the PNG Chiefs.
Peters, one of the vital sought-after coaches within the recreation, has lately accomplished a record-breaking season within the UK, the place he led Hull Kingston Rovers to the English treble for the primary time of their historical past, together with the Super League Grand Final, Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield.
Having had a robust profession as a halfback that included stints at South Sydney and St George Illawarra in Australia and Wigan, Widnes and Gateshead within the English Super League, Peters moved into teaching and was an Assistant Coach at Manly, South Sydney and the Newcastle Knights, earlier than being appointed as the Head Coach of Hull Kingston Rovers in May 2022.
Peters had fast success, guiding his new membership to the Challenge Cup Final, earlier than reaching the Super League Grand Final the next season in 2024, the place they narrowly went right down to Wigan.
Last season Peters turned that throughout with the historic treble in Super League, adopted up by an unbelievable victory in February of this yr the place Peters coached Hull KR to a nail-biting victory over Brisbane within the World Club Challenge.
Peters was rewarded for his super season by being named as an Assistant Coach to Kevin Walters for the Kangaroos’ October tour of the UK.
PNG Chiefs General Manager of Football, Michael Chammas mentioned: “This is among the most vital choices we are going to make as a franchise. Willie wasn’t simply obtainable – he was in demand.
“The indisputable fact that he selected the PNG Chiefs, selected this problem, and selected this nation says the whole lot in regards to the form of man and coach he’s. He understands what this implies – not only for rugby league, however for a complete nation.
“Tactics win video games, however individuals win premierships. That’s a philosophy which is the muse of Willie’s teaching profession. His means to attach with gamers – to genuinely earn their belief and loyalty – is one thing that we admired.
“That does not cease on the taking part in group. Willie has a present for bringing a complete neighborhood alongside for the experience and making individuals really feel a part of one thing larger than themselves.
“He has achieved that extremely at Hull KR, final yr producing probably the most profitable season within the membership’s historical past by successful the whole lot on provide. He may even do this for Papua New Guinea, the place the connection between this membership and its individuals will likely be the whole lot.”
“While we’re excited for Willie to join the club later in the year, we respect the role he still has to play in leading Hull KR to hopefully another title. We wish him and the Robins all the best for the rest of the season.”
Peters mentioned he all the time had an ambition to coach within the NRL and was excited that it could be as the muse coach of the Chiefs.
“I imagine that what we construct with the PNG Chiefs can change the lives of Papua New Guineans for generations to return,” Peters said. “Not many coaches get a chance like that. This alternative transcends rugby league.
“I’ve monumental respect for the imaginative and prescient Prime Minister James Marape has for his nation and what he believes the PNG Chiefs can imply for his individuals. That moved me and my household.
“I want to honour that vision. I want to be worthy of the faith the NRL and the Chiefs have placed in me, and I want to deliver something that makes every Papua New Guinean proud.”
Hull KR Owner Neil Hudgell mentioned Peters would depart with the easiest needs of everybody on the Robins after 4 years of being probably the most profitable coach within the membership’s trendy historical past.
“As the coach of the World Club Champions, he deserves to exit on his phrases, with our respect, appreciation, and finest needs,” Hudgell mentioned.
“Willie Peters led us to probably the most profitable season within the historical past of Hull Rugby League in 2025.
“For now, and for the remainder of this yr, he’ll proceed to drive a tradition that calls for success.”
Hull KR have gained two of their 5 Super League matches up to now this season and face Hull FC on Easter Friday.
“The job is not done. I am fully committed to what’s ahead which continues this week in preparing the players for the Hull Derby this Friday,” Peters mentioned.
“Our goal is always to make our community proud and we aim to do that each and every week.”
