Joey Grima says the Junior Kumuls' first-ever win over Australia's schoolboys, achieved two weeks ago, does not mean he has found Papua New Guinea's best prospects.
Roadless regions and boat journeys of up to six hours limit his talent searches, the PNGRFL pathways manager and Junior Kumuls coach said.
Grima runs a nationwide academy with Tarik Houchar and Kumuls legend Stanley Gene.
The program has more than 1,600 girls and boys aged under 15 to under 19.
Its standards cover punctuality, behaviour and care of equipment, alongside education on violence prevention, female health, financial literacy and safeguarding.
PNG Chiefs chief executive Lorna McPherson wants her team to reach the top eight in its 2028 foundation season and develop homegrown players.
"I don't believe I would be doing a good job if I don't get those pathways right," McPherson said.
Despite Papua New Guinea's deep affection for the 13-a-side game, few locally born players have reached the NRL; Justin Olam and Marcus Bai are notable exceptions.
One academy success is five-eighth Gairo Voro, who will represent PNG against a Samoa team led by Jarome Luai in Saturday's World Cup match.
Voro was named player of the year in England's second tier last season and, with Morea Morea and Finley Glare, has secured a Chiefs development contract for 2028.
Grima found Voro at a junior competition in Central Province and said he was struck by the player's defence.