PAPUA NEW GUINEA
The majority of NRL coaches have put their hand up to lead the PNG side when the expansion team starts canvassing the game for a head coach.
It is understood that the PNG team will start to look for a new coach as early as the end of this year under the watchful eye of PNG bid team chief executive Andrew Hill and there will be no shortage of options if this mastheads exclusive poll is anything to go by.
Fifty six per cent of coaches said they would be willing to lead the new side when they come into the competition in 2028.
While a majority of coaches were happy to be considered for the job, the 44 per cent who said they would not want to coach the team largely blamed it on family reasons.
This is despite the new $150 million village the NRL are building to ensure luxury accommodation for players, coaching staff and their families.
Safety was a concern for three of the coaches while one also said they are “worried about attracting talent” despite the tax free concessions which will be on offer to anyone who signs for the new coach.
Another coach added that they “have a higher paying job” now so therefore they wouldn’t be attracted to the new posting.
The PNG job will be different to any other NRL position given the coach will not only start up the new franchise but live side-by-side players. Travel will be a factor so too will be the living conditions.
Former South Sydney mentor Jason Demetriou is coaching the PNG Kumuls side and would be considered for the top job.
PNG received a further boost in recent days with rugby league great Cameron Smith who met with PNG Prime Minister James Marape during his visit.
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