LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Jason Demetriou has emerged as the leading candidate to become the inaugural coach of the NRL's Papua New Guinea-based franchise, set to launch in the 2028 season.
Reports from zerotackle.com indicate that while the franchise has yet to be officially named and is over a year away from signing players, there is pressure to appoint a coach by the end of this year due to the extensive requirements for establishing the club.
Despite recent concerns that the club might not be prepared for the 2028 start, the administration remains confident in their readiness.
Demetriou currently serves as the coach of the Papua New Guinea national team and is reportedly eager to further his commitment to rugby league in the region while returning to NRL coaching.
This dual role aligns well with the ambitions of both Demetriou and the future franchise.