Jason Demetriou Appointed New Head Coach of Papua New Guinea's PNG LNG Kumuls
Papua New Guinea’s ambitions to join the NRL have taken a significant step forward with the appointment of Jason Demetriou as the new Head Coach of the PNG LNG Kumuls. The announcement comes at a time when rugby league in PNG is on a high, following the success of the NRL Bid Academy tournament, which showcased the depth of young talent emerging from the schoolboy level and the Academy system.
Demetriou brings an impressive coaching resume to the role, having started his coaching career in Australia after completing his playing days in the UK. He made his mark as an Assistant Coach with the North Queensland Cowboys, where he played a crucial role in the team's 2015 NRL Premiership victory over the Brisbane Broncos. He later served as an Assistant Coach with the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Brisbane Broncos, where he oversaw the team’s attack.
Demetriou brings an impressive coaching resume to the role, having started his coaching career in Australia after completing his playing days in the UK. He made his mark as an Assistant Coach with the North Queensland Cowboys, where he played a crucial role in the team's 2015 NRL Premiership victory over the Brisbane Broncos. He later served as an Assistant Coach with the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Brisbane Broncos, where he oversaw the team’s attack.
In 2018, Demetriou followed Wayne Bennett to South Sydney, where he was named Bennett’s successor as Head Coach for the 2022 NRL season. He quickly found success, guiding the Rabbitohs to the Preliminary Final in his first year in charge.
PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina expressed his delight at securing Demetriou’s services: “Being able to bring someone of Jason Demetriou’s calibre in to coach the Kumuls is fantastic news for the game in PNG. Jason has tremendous experience at NRL level and was an integral part of the North Queensland coaching staff that won the 2015 Premiership. He will bring a great knowledge of the game and a winning mindset to the role, and we believe he is the perfect fit for what we are looking to create with our national side.”
Hondina also hinted at a long-term partnership with Demetriou leading up to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup: “We are interested in building a long-term relationship with Jason and are looking forward to finalising this soon. I know he is excited about the quality we have in our squad, and we believe he will do an outstanding job working with a talented group of players.”
PNG NRL Bid Chief Executive Andrew Hill also welcomed the appointment as a positive step toward Papua New Guinea’s goal of joining the NRL. “Having someone of Jason’s standing in the game take on the PNG Kumuls Head Coaching role is another great step towards becoming part of the NRL. We have worked hard to create the right pathways structure, and Jason’s appointment is another positive step towards that goal,” Hill said.
Demetriou expressed his excitement about taking on the role: “The game in PNG is going from strength to strength, and it is a fantastic opportunity to work with such a talented squad. I’m incredibly excited to work with the senior team and help prepare the next generation of players. It is a great time to be involved in the game in this country, and I’m excited about what lies ahead.”
Also read
PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina expressed his delight at securing Demetriou’s services: “Being able to bring someone of Jason Demetriou’s calibre in to coach the Kumuls is fantastic news for the game in PNG. Jason has tremendous experience at NRL level and was an integral part of the North Queensland coaching staff that won the 2015 Premiership. He will bring a great knowledge of the game and a winning mindset to the role, and we believe he is the perfect fit for what we are looking to create with our national side.”
Hondina also hinted at a long-term partnership with Demetriou leading up to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup: “We are interested in building a long-term relationship with Jason and are looking forward to finalising this soon. I know he is excited about the quality we have in our squad, and we believe he will do an outstanding job working with a talented group of players.”
PNG NRL Bid Chief Executive Andrew Hill also welcomed the appointment as a positive step toward Papua New Guinea’s goal of joining the NRL. “Having someone of Jason’s standing in the game take on the PNG Kumuls Head Coaching role is another great step towards becoming part of the NRL. We have worked hard to create the right pathways structure, and Jason’s appointment is another positive step towards that goal,” Hill said.
Demetriou expressed his excitement about taking on the role: “The game in PNG is going from strength to strength, and it is a fantastic opportunity to work with such a talented squad. I’m incredibly excited to work with the senior team and help prepare the next generation of players. It is a great time to be involved in the game in this country, and I’m excited about what lies ahead.”
Also read