The current Burleigh Bears Coach Luke Burt, who is the upcoming PNG Chiefs Assistant Coach, is excited to kick start his career with the Chiefs when he takes up his role in November 2027.
Burt said he is eager to help build a strong foundation for the Chiefs as the club prepares for its historic entry into the NRL in 2028.
He said, "I'm super excited about joining the Chiefs. I can't wait. I was talking to Michael on Friday and when I got off the phone, I felt like a little kid. That's how excited I was.
“I'm looking forward to getting amongst it over here, being part of the Chiefs set-up and really buying into what we can archive in the NRL."
Burt revealed he has already held several discussions with incoming head coach Willie Peters and believes they share a similar vision for the club's future.
"I've spoken to Willie plenty of times," he said.
"He's got a bit of work on at the moment over in the Super League, but I feel like our beliefs and the culture we want to bring really marry- up. I think it suits what we're trying to build here with the Chiefs."
The former NRL player also praised the club's early recruitment efforts, highlighting the caliber of players already committed to the franchise.
"You can't fault those signings. They're pretty good signings," Burt said.
"You get players like Jerome Luai, Connor Watson, AJ and Matty Lees, who is a quality middle forward for England. Those guys bring experience and quality, and they'll help set standards for the club."
While excited by the marquee recruits, Burt said developing local talent would remain a key priority.
"There's a lot of potential here, and it's our job to develop those players," he said.
"That's something I take a lot of pride in. Even at Burleigh, I've always enjoyed developing players and helping them reach the next level.
"If we can develop PNG players into NRL players, I think that would be a great story and a huge success for the club."
Burt also commended the work already being done through the Chiefs' pathways system and believes the club is well-positioned ahead of its inaugural season.
"The pathways program is in a really good place at the moment," he said.
"From everything I've been told, a lot of good work is being done, and I think we're in a strong position heading into 2028. The timing feels right for PNG to enter the competition."
Burt was asked also if young players like former Junior Kumuls representative, Philip Coats, could be a prospect for the PNG Chiefs; he responded by simply complementing the young gun.
"We wouldn't say no to Philip, he is a great young talent, " he said with a smile. “
"He's had a busy week travelling with the Broncos before making the trip over here, so we managed his workload a little. You never know what the future holds, but he's certainly a player with plenty of potential."
