Jason Demetriou to coach Papua New Guinea Kumuls in audition for expansion role

Jason Demetriou has revealed his excitement over PNG’s “endless talent pool” following his appointment as Kumuls head coach, with the former Rabbitohs coach set to play a vital role in the nation’s historic push for NRL status.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 09: Rabbitohs head coach Jason Demetriou looks on during a South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL training session at USANA Rabbitohs Centre on April 09, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

New Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou has described PNG’s historic NRL bid as “one of the most exciting things rugby league has done in a long, long time.”

Demetriou’s high-profile appointment to the national position has led to immediate speculation he would now be among the favourites to be named inaugural coach of the new PNG franchise, likely to enter the NRL in 2028.

The former South Sydney coach refused to push for the PNG NRL coaching job but insisted a Port Moresby-based franchise would change rugby league forever.

“It (PNG’s NRL bid) is one of the most exciting things rugby league has done in a long, long time. There’s no reason why it can’t be very, very successful,” Demetriou said.

“The interest this generates for the game outside of Australia is phenomenal. I don’t think you can understate how big of an opportunity this is potentially going to be for the game.

“The PNG talent pool is endless. If we can get that production line going, there’s no reason why the PNG side can’t be successful and highly successful.

Former Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou has expressed his excitement over PNG’s historic NRL bid.. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“In five or ten years’ time, with the growth of the game to 20 teams, clubs will be looking to PNG even more for player depth. I don’t want to link myself to the PNG NRL job but I am excited about the bid and helping establish itself.

“Anyone would be privileged to be part of that inaugural season. I saw that with the Dolphins last year, I remember when the Warriors came into the competition, and the Cowboys, I even remember Canberra coming in.

“It’s not going to be a place where many people will want to go and play. It’s going to be tough and no club wants opposing teams coming to your home ground and thinking it’s an enjoyable place to play.”

For now, Demetriou wants to focus and commit to the national Kumuls side, who will aim high for the 2026 World Cup, with matches to be played in PNG.

Rhyse Martin, Justin Olam, Nene McDonald and Watson Boas of Papua New Guinea celebrate victory in a 2017 Rugby League World Cup match. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

PNG will contest the end-of-season Pacific Championships with games against Fiji, Cook Islands and probably Tonga. And future Kumuls’ success would ultimately help the PNG bid, according to Demetriou.

“The unique position of the Kumuls team is that it has a responsibility and privilege to build some credibility and momentum for the NRL bid,” he said.

“The next World Cup is 2026 and there is talk of the bid coming in either in 2027 or 2028. There is an opportunity to get some optimism from everybody in PNG with how the Kumuls play.

“There are a couple of things when you’re looking at having an NRL side and first and foremost is player depth and PNG will have a production line of players through the pathways system.

Jason Demetriou is optimistic about the future of rugby league in PNG. Picture: NRL Photos

“It’s an exciting time for PNG rugby league with the potential NRL bid and the main thing for me is to start getting momentum for that through the Kumuls and their performances.

“PNG’s passion was evident when they first came into the Queensland Cup as the Hunters. I was coaching Northern Pride at the time and I fell in love with how they play, the passion they play with and the support they get in the stands, it’s phenomenal, and still is.”

Building and further improving the Kumuls, PNG officials claim, will be vital given the nation’s looming and historic push into the NRL.

“Having someone of Jason’s standing in the game take on the Kumuls head coaching role is another great step towards becoming part of the NRL,” said PNG NRL bid chief executive, Andrew Hill.

“We have worked really hard to create the right pathways structure that will allow us to identify the best young talent and then develop those players so that when they reach the Kumuls they can benefit from the systems Jason will put in place.

“Everything we are doing is in preparation for becoming an NRL team and we believe Jason’s appointment is another really positive step towards that goal.”

PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina added: “Being able to bring someone of the calibre of Jason Demetriou in to coach the Kumuls is fantastic news for the game in PNG.”