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.
6. Ben Te'o
This is the smokey I believe will get the gig, Ben Te'o has risen rapidly from player to within the coaching ranks.
He joined the Brisbane Broncos in 2024, working on defensive lines and reading plays.
Everyone knows defense wins premierships, and clearly, his methods work, as the Broncos have gone on to win the 2025 title, something he is dearly credited for.
He would add a new-age approach, with only retiring at the end of the 2021 season, Te'o knows what it means to play in the modern game.
Before this, he was embedded in the Redcliffe Dolphins coaching system from 2022 to 2024. He worked with the reserve grade side as head coach in 2024, which saw them climb to the Grand Final that year.
Representing countries at the highest level in both codes (league and union), Te'o knows what it means to travel internationally and the certain setbacks that come with it. He would be an excellent bridge between NRL talent and the local PNG pathways systems, with invaluable experience in different cultures.
Get set for the footy with the FREE Zero Tackle 2026 NRL Season Guide! Packed with 130+ pages of player profiles, team previews, insights and analysis, the 2026 NRL Season Guide is built for fans who want the full picture. Download your free Season Guide HERE.
Wayne is too old and Brad has never delivered.
The others are OK. (I’m no Souths fan but I have always thought Ben Teo was underrated playing for them).
But their best choice would be …. LEE ADDISON !