It is an exciting time in the world of Rugby League, with the NRL ambitiously adding a 19th NRL franchise in 2028, and the first outside of Australia and New Zealand.

The Papua New Guinea Chiefs will be the third expansion team in six years, accompanied by the Dolphins (2023) and the Perth Bears (2027). 

It is part of a $600 million package deal from the Australian government to strengthen their relationship geo-politically, which will certainly boost the PNG economy, creating plenty of new business opportunities and jobs for the people of Port Moresby.

There have been plenty of questions surrounding how the NRL will incentivise players to move to a developing part of the world. 

These encouragements include tax-free salary benefits, accommodation in gated communities, and visa-travel advantages.

The same goes for coaches and staff, and the biggest task for general manager Michael Chammas is getting a coaching staff that will make the side competitive from November 2027. 

With Chammas expressing his desire for the side to be playing finals football in their maiden year, here are the best coaching candidates to bring his dream to fruition. 

5. Adrian Lam

Quite frankly, Lam is a star of PNG.

Born in Rabaul, Lam went on to represent PNG 11 times for the Kumuls, where he captained the side to a quarter-finals berth in 2000. Currently coaching the Leigh Leopards, Lam took the side to a 3rd place finish last year in the Super League. When he took over the side in 2022, they were in the second division; it was an elite rebuild of the club.

At the club level, his son Lachlan Lam plays for the Leopards under him and is the current halfback for the Kumuls. If Adrian were to become a coach, he would most certainly come as a package deal with his son as a half. Then, right there are two of the most important components to a side sorted already.

It would build great cult hero status for the father-son duo, which the local fans would cherish and set the tone for the high-octane playing style that is to be expected when the Chiefs enter the competition. 

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