Jason Demetriou has returned after being fired by South Sydney Rabbitohs in May, announcing his new role as head coach of the Papua New Guinea Kumuls.
Demetriou’s appointment will lead to immediate speculation he will now be among the favourites to be named inaugural coach of the new PNG franchise, likely to enter the NRL in 2028.
The Greek Australian coach guided South Sydney to top place on the NRL table after 11 rounds last year before the club missed the finals.
It is this NRL experience and expertise that PNG officials hope to advance the Kumuls, which is vital given PNG’s looming and historic push into the NRL.
“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,” PNG NRL Bid chief executive, Andrew Hill said.
“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.”
In response, Demetriou said “the game in PNG is going from strength to strength and it is a fantastic opportunity to work with such a talented squad.”
“I have watched the team with interest in recent years and they have a passion for the game that shows itself every time they pull on the Kumuls jersey and represent their country… It is a great time to be involved in the game in this country and I’m excited about what lies ahead,” he added.
Source: Daily Telegraph.
