In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — World Rugby confirms Women in Rugby Careers Programme cohort for 2026
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs entry justified
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — Attitude, heritage, purpose define PNG Chiefs
4. RUGBY — Mataele to face former side iin Christchurch
5. RUGBY LEAGUE — Kativerata contract ends, new Fiji Bati coach soon
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — Melbourne Storm star Tui Kamikamica discharged from hospital after suffering a suspected stroke
7. NETBALL — Leaders making the game safer
8. RUGBY — ACT Brumbies re-sign Ollie Sapsford until 2029
9. RUGBY — ‘See you next year’: bad news from injured key Wallaby Skelton
10. RUGBY LEAGUE — PNG Chiefs coach Peters denies safety concerns in PNG
PACNEWS: Fri 03 Apr 2026
World Rugby confirms Women in Rugby Careers Programme cohort for 2026
DUBLIN, 03 APRIL 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—Following an overwhelming global response that saw more than 1,300 applications from 114 countries, World Rugby has confirmed the 250 participants selected for this year’s Women in Rugby Careers Programme.
As the second edition of the programme, it reinforces World Rugby’s long-term commitment to accelerating the development of women in all areas of the game. By investing in people and pathways, the initiative aims to sustain the sport’s rapid growth and continue to drive meaningful progress.
The strong global engagement and quality of applicants this year highlight not only the success of the programme’s first edition but also demonstrates the interest and appetite for career development opportunities for women working across the game worldwide.
This year’s selected cohort represent 91 countries, reflecting a strong and diverse global spread. Participants come from a wide range of roles across the sport, including coaching, officiating, team management, governance, performance analysis, medical and player welfare, as well as operational and commercial functions. Many are already working within unions, clubs and leagues, while others bring experience as former international or elite domestic players.
The 2026 edition will feature seven interactive virtual webinars delivered across the year offering participants career and personal skills development, access to global experts in the sporting landscape, as well as meaningful peer-to-peer connection opportunities. The programme will officially begin with its first webinar in April, where participants will be welcomed by Sally Horrox, World Rugby’s Chief of Women’s Rugby, who will set the tone for the year ahead.
Commenting on the announcement, Horrox, said: “The response to this year’s programme has been incredible and truly reflects the ambition and passion that exists across the global women’s rugby community.
“This initiative is about creating opportunities, building connections and supporting the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our sport. We are excited to welcome this talented and diverse group and look forward to supporting them on their journey.”
Mercy Migongo, a match official from Kenya who participated on the programme in 2025, added: “I am truly applying the knowledge I gained from the programme last year. It has been very impactful in both my personal life and my rugby career.
“The programme has also made me more ambitious on my coaching journey. I am currently working towards acquiring my level three coaching qualification and also pursuing the World Rugby Educator level one course this year.
“It has been a powerful experience for me, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity and the continued support.”
As part of the 2025 careers programme, World Rugby also developed the Impact Beyond: Careers publication showcasing inspirational women working around the world across all areas of rugby. The publication provides practical advice for women and girls on how to develop a career in the sport, as well as highlighting wider resources to support with professional development….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS: Fri 03 Apr 2026
PNG Chiefs entry justified
PORT MORESBY, 03 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—-The PNG Chiefs’ path into Australia’s elite competition the National Rugby League (NRL) may have been unique, but club officials believe it was fully justified and long overdue for a rugby league–mad nation.
General manager Michael Chammas admitted the bid process for Papua New Guinea was “slightly different” compared to other expansion teams, with several key figures heavily involved in earlier stages.
Despite the differences, Chammas said the outcome has placed the club in a strong position moving forward.
“We’re now in a very strong position. The team is set up, we’re on track, and we’re moving things forward,” he said.
He also revealed that the alternative could have seen PNG waiting decades for entry into the competition, pointing to comments made by chairman of the Australian Rugby League Ccmmission (ARLC) Peter V’landys during a recent rugby league meeting.
“If it wasn’t done this way, we might have had to wait until 2038 or even beyond to get a team into the NRL,” Chammas said.
The former NRL.com journalist stressed that Papua New Guinea’s deep connection to rugby league made its inclusion inevitable.
“Rugby league is the national sport. We deserve a team – there’s no question about that,” he said.
He also highlighted the rare opportunity now presented to incoming coach Willie Peters, who will build the club from the ground up.
“Where else do you get a chance to create your own team from scratch? It’s an amazing opportunity,” Chammas said.
With structures now in place and excitement building, Chammas said the focus is firmly on 2028, when the PNG Chiefs are expected to make their long-awaited debut.
“It’s all about getting there and kicking that ball in 2028. I’m really excited,” he added….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Attitude, heritage, purpose define PNG Chiefs
PORT MORESBY, 03 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Financial incentives aside, only players with the right attitude and purpose will make history alongside the PNG Chiefs in 2028, says general manager Michael Chammas.
And one-third of the Chiefs will comprise players with a PNG heritage, “period”, says chief executive officer Lorna McPherson (see story, page 66), adding the Chiefs’ ambition “is to be a mirror, a reflection of the only nation on Earth where rugby league is the national sport”.
As the Chiefs’ football boss, Chammas also made it clear that while tax-free benefits are appealing, they will not give the club an unfair advantage under the competition rules.
He said despite the added financial incentives available to players relocating to Papua New Guinea, the PNG franchise would operate under the same salary cap system as every other National Rugby League (NRL) club.
“The salary cap still works the same. We are governed by the same rules as every other club,” he said.
However, the former NRL.com journalist admitted the incentives have sparked strong interest from players, putting the club in a powerful position to be selective.
Chammas stressed that the Chiefs are not simply chasing talent, but players who genuinely want to be part of something bigger, building the game and inspiring the next generation in a country where rugby league is a religion.
“We’ll pick people who want to be part of the community and take on the responsibility of being role models,” he added.
While acknowledging that financial security is naturally attractive, Chammas warned that money cannot be the main motivation.
“Yes, players can set up their families for life by coming here. But it has to be more than that,” he said.
“We are focused on forming a squad driven by purpose, not just pay – a move we believe will shape the club’s culture from day one.”….PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Mataele to face former side iin Christchurch
CHRISTCHURCH, 03 APRIL 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)–Former Crusaders player Manasa Mataele will have the chance to play against some of his former teammates at his old hunting ground when the Fijian Drua takes on the Super Rugby Pacific defending champions in Christchurch on Friday.
Drua head coach Glen Jackson has given Mataele a starting spot at 11, facing All Blacks winger Sevu Reece who is one of the two Fijians named by the Crusaders for the match.
Mataele joined the Crusaders in 2016 and appeared with fellow Fijians Seta Tamanivalu and Jone Macilai in the 2017 season.
He left the Crusaders in 2021 to join Western Force before a stint with the Chiefs in 2025.
Jackson has named him to pair Joji Nasova on the wings, as one of the changes made to the team beaten by the Blues in Auckland last weekend.
The match will also become the last Super Rugby game at the stadium before future matches are moved to the new One New Zealand Stadium, which will host the Super Round over the ANZAC weekend.
Jackson told the media earlier in the week that they would need to refocus on the Crusaders, after dropping their performance in the last 30 minutes of the match last weekend.
He said the team will need to match the Crusaders strong pack upfront.
Crusaders have named Fijian George Bower in their front-row, supported by All Black duo Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell.
“They’re a quality outfit, they’ve won it more than anyone else, and they’re a proud team, especially finishing up at a stadium where they’ve had a lot of success,’ he told FBC News.
“Our forwards need to step up. If we lose the contact area, then it’s going to be tough for us. They’ve got All Blacks all over the park. Will Jordan is pure class, and they’ve got dangerous players like Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki.”
The Crusaders are on sixth on the points table, while Drua sits at ninth.
Mataele and Nasova should be able to cover the sidelines well and counter high balls.
The duo replace Ponipate Loganimasi and Epeli Momo, who are injured.
Young halfback Philip Baselala has been added to the bench as back-up for Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, with co-captain Frank Lomani sidelined also because of injury.
He left the field in the second half against the Blues at the weekend.
Jackson has kept faith with his front-row, retaining Haereiti Hetet (1), Mesake Doge and Zuriel Togiatama at hooker.
Hard working lock Isoa Nasilasila has been named as captain for the game, joined by Otago rep Joseva Tamani in the middle row.
The loose trio of Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa and Elia Canakaivata have also been retained.
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula starts at 10, with inside centre Iosefo Namoce, who had an impressive game against the Blues, getting his second start in the starting lineup.
The Crusaders will be led by Will Jordan.
Only three matches will be played this weekend, with the Chiefs facing Waratahs at home on Saturday afternoon and the Reds hosting Western Force in Brisbane on Saturday night.
Fijian Drua: 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Joseva Tamani, 5. Isoa Nasilasila (captain), 6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Elia Canakaivata, 9. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Manasa Mataele, 12. Iosefo Namoce, 13. Virimi Vakatawa, 14. Joji Nasova, 15. Iliasia Droasese
Bench: 16. Sairusi Ravudi, 17. Emosi Tuqiri, 18. Peni Ravai, 19. Mesake Vocevoce, 20. Isoa Tuwai, 21. Phillip Baselala, 22. Kemu Valetini, 23. Isikeli Rabitu.
Crusaders: 1. George Bower, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Antonio Shalfoon, 5. Jamie Hannah, 6. Corey Kellow, 7. Johnny Lee, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Taha Kemara, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. Dallas McLeod, 13. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 14. Chay Fihaki, 15. Will Jordan (captain)
Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. Jack Sexton, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Tahlor Cahill, 20. Dom Gardiner, 21. Louie Chapman, 22. Rivez Reihana, 23. Braydon Ennor..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Melbourne Storm star Tui Kamikamica discharged from hospital after suffering a suspected stroke
MELBOURNE, 03 APRIL 2026 (AAP)—Tui Kamikamica has been discharged from Royal Melbourne Hospital but faces an uncertain NRL future after his suspected stroke.
The Melbourne prop suffered the suspected stroke at home on Monday.
Kamikamica, who has played 142 NRL games, will begin the next stage of his recovery at an inpatient clinic, with the Storm aiming for the 31-year-old to then integrate back into their own rehabilitation program alongside injured players.
The Storm did not put a timeline on Kamikamica’s return to the field in a statement released on Thursday morning, but a comeback in the short term appears unlikely.
Teammates visited Kamikamica in hospital earlier in the week, and coach Craig Bellamy has been buoyed by the prop’s attitude to his recovery.
“I exchanged texts with him there yesterday and he’s always ultra positive,” Bellamy said.
“He says he’ll be back soon, but it’s more of a thing for our medical people to explain what’s going on.
“He’s always up and about and we all love how fit and strong he is, and for him at that age, to suffer from that, was a shock to everybody.”
From a football perspective, Kamikamica’s absence leaves the Storm without another big body in the middle of the park, already an area of focus for recruitment since Nelson Asofa-Solomona’s off-season exit.
The club have replaced Kamikamica with 2024 grand final player Lazarus Vaalepu for the Good Friday clash against red-hot Penrith.
But Bellamy was unsure whether the club would be given special dispensation to go to market and replace Kamikamica in their top-30 squad.
“That’s a good question and I might ask it. At the moment we’re just concerned with Tui making a full recovery,” he said.
Melbourne are already without Eli Katoa, who suffered a brain bleed in the wash-up from a Test match between Tonga and New Zealand late last year.
Katoa has been sidelined from the 2026 season, and Bellamy admitted last month he was unsure whether the star second-rower would play again.
In their press statement, the Storm thanked hospital staff for their care of Kamikamica.
“The club would like to thank the medical professionals at Royal Melbourne Hospital and Ambulance Victoria for their outstanding care of Tui and extend its appreciation to everyone who has supported Tui and his family during this difficult time,” a spokesperson wrote….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY LEAGUE: FIJI SUN PACNEWS: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Kativerata contract ends, new Fiji Bati coach soon
SUVA, 03 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The three year contract of Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata has expired on 31 March.
This was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday by Fiji National Sports Commission (FNSC) chief executive officer Peter Mazey.
He said all international Coaching Grants are issued under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the individual National Sports Organisation (NSO) and the Commission.
Asked if any renewal signing was done between the Commission and the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL), Mazey said; “The coaches’ employment contract is not with the Commission but is between the NSO and the coach.
Once a new coach is appointed then a new MOA will be arranged.
This applies to FNRL in the same way and as such we will await confirmation from FNRL on new coach.”
When contacted FNRL board chairman Rajesh Singh said they have interviewed three NRL (National Rugby League) coaches who had applied.
“The interview panel has made their presentation to the board and a decision on who will be the new Fiji Bati coach will be announced soon,” he said.
Singh said it was unfortunate that they had to raise the bar when it came to the coaching requirements, which ruled out the local coaches.
“However, we’ll ensure the local coaches are given the opportunity to understudy the head coach as they continue on with their coaching accreditations. With the help of NRL, we’ll look at a pathway to further develop our local coaches.”
The Rugby League World Cup will be played in Australia and kicks off in October…..PACNEWS
PAC – NETBALL: NETBALL AU PACNEWS: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Leaders making the game safer
How safeguarding practices are breaking barriers across the Pacific thanks to the sport’s leaders.
By Elizabeth Winter
SYDNEY, 03 APRIL 2026 (NETBALL AU) — To mark this year’s International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, Netball Australia is reflecting on the progress made in strengthening safeguarding across the Pacific netball community, in collaboration with the Australian Government through Team Up and Netball’s Ocean of Power.
The theme “Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers” highlights the role sport can play in uniting communities and creating inclusive environments. As a sport that empowers women and girls to thrive, netball is uniquely positioned to bring this to life, and safeguarding is central to ensuring netball remains a safe, supportive space for everyone involved.
BRINGING VOICES TOGETHER
In March 2026, leaders from across the Pacific Netball Federations attended a Strategic Leadership Workshop as part of the Netball’s Ocean of Power program in which they participated in a session on safeguarding ran by leading experts Keesha Booth and Tahina Booth from the Grass Skirt Project.
Bringing together a range of people from each organisation, from federation staff members to board executives, highlighted that safeguarding is a collective responsibility and high priority.
“The role of sport in the Pacific is incredibly impactful,” said Keesha Booth.
“If any sporting institutions lead and integrate safeguarding into their day-to-day operations, then it has a huge impact in how it plays out in the community.
“If you can get people to talk about difficult taboo topics, and use sport as that leverage point, then you can make huge movements socially.”
During the workshop, participants discussed the process of transforming policy on paper into something tangible which can be utilised on the ground.
Tusi Faasootau-Ale, Country Program Manager at Netball Samoa, found working with Grass Skirt Project a crucial opportunity to take the moment to discuss issues around safeguarding.
“It takes a village. That’s what I’ve learned sitting here, to honour that and normalise safeguarding in everyday conversation and within our organisations,” she said.
NETBALL’S IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
Through the Team Up program, Pacific Netball Federations have been strengthening their safeguarding practices and becoming leaders in this space.
Key milestones include safeguarding workshops being delivered at the end of 2025 in collaboration with Netball PNG, Netball Samoa, and Tonga Netball Association, led by each federation’s designated Safeguarding Experts.
As the first point of contact, these experts led presentations with coaches, community leaders, local teachers, and federation staff on safeguarding guidelines and protocols, reinforcing that safeguarding is not an add on – but a core part of netball.
Rosabel Tuatagaloa, Sports Development Coordinator for Netball Samoa, has been directly involved in the growth of safeguarding knowledge and implementation in program delivery.
Tuatagaloa reflected on her experience participating in Team Up’s safeguarding education workshops.
“The way I design programmes has changed by putting safeguarding at the centre,” she said.
“Every plan now starts with clear safety roles, child-friendly environments, and strong partnerships so that netball is not only fun and competitive, but also a safe space for every participant.”
Exemplifying this, Netball Samoa recently ran their annual Farmer Joe Safeguarding Primary School Netball Tournament – a competition which invites six primary schools to compete, while socialising safeguarding terminology and inviting people to be part of the broader conversation.
As well as country-led initiatives, Team Up has delivered annual safeguarding workshops in Fiji, bringing partners together to share knowledge and strengthen approaches across the region. Consistent participation in these forums is building confidence and capability in safeguarding practices for community leaders like Tuatagaloa.
Lavelua (Lua) Taulahi, Assistant Development Officer at Tonga Netball Association, reflected on the increased recognition of safeguarding within the netball community in Tonga.
“By raising more awareness of safeguarding, we are building and allowing young athletes to thrive not only on the court but also in life. They become the best versions of themselves,” she said.
SHARING KNOWLEDGE AMONGST COMMUNITY
Netball Australia have been working closely with Pacific Netball Federations to ensure knowledge on safeguarding is spread across their broader networks.
In 2025, during a workshop ran in collaboration with Netball Australia and the ADF, Netball Samoa CEO Justine Samu and Country Program Manager Tusi Faasootau-Ale led a session on safeguarding for local netball community leaders.
The session highlighted the role everyone must play, from players and umpires to those in governance, to ensure netball remains a safe and inclusive environment.
“I’m looking forward to everyone getting out there and spreading this message, working together to grow this shift in mindset,” Samu said.
Workshop participant Visceta Meredith, President of St Mary’s Sports Club, found the discussion around safeguarding insightful as she learned more about the role it plays in sport as a whole.
“We have more awareness after this week around safeguarding. It’s an issue that is a concern whether it happens on or off court,” she said.
“I’ve learned that safeguarding is not just about safety in the game, it can be emotional, mental, physical, these are all areas that we need to make sure our players in all sports are looked at,” she said.
PAVING THE WAY FORWARD
As well as delivering education workshops, Pacific Netball Federations are designing their own safeguarding policies – a crucial step in protecting netball participants, coaches, and umpires, while ensuring policy remains grounded in local culture, context and community needs.
Sallee Caldwell, Head of Market Development at Netball Australia, emphasised the significance of prioritising safeguarding in the development of netball across the Pacific.
“The partnership between Netball Australia and Pacific Netball Federations is built on a shared vision to create safe and inclusive environments for all participants. The progress achieved in safeguarding is a vital component of this work and plays a key role in netball’s ongoing development.” she said.
Netball’s Ocean of Power is an Australian Government initiative empowering women and girls in the Pacific to step into leadership roles and become champions within their communities.
Team Up is the Australian Government’s sport for development program in the Asia-Pacific which uses the power of sport to transform lives. Team Up and Netball Australia work closely with Pacific Netball Federations to support the growth of netball in the Pacific and ensure the sport is safe, inclusive and accessible, and work to strengthen relationships between Australia and Asia-Pacific partners…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS: Fri 03 Apr 2026
ACT Brumbies re-sign Ollie Sapsford until 2029
CANBERRA, 03 APRIL 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—The ACT Brumbies are pleased to announce the re-signing of Ollie Sapsford for two years, with an option for a third, keeping the talented back at the club through to the end of 2029.
Born and raised in Ashburton, New Zealand, Sapsford played for Hawke’s Bay in the NPC and made a name for himself in New Zealand Sevens. After scoring four tries in seven games during the 2020/2021 season for Hawke’s Bay, Sapsford caught the eye of the Brumbies, who saw his potential and brought him across the Tasman.
The 30-year-old debuted for the Brumbies off the bench in round one of the 2022 Super Rugby season. Since then, the tall, powerful outside back has played 58 games for the side and has established himself as one of the more reliable backs in the competition.
A key contributor in both attack and defence, Sapsford brings versatility to the Brumbies backline, having lined up at centre and on the wing. His consistent performances earned him selection for Australia A and have kept him firmly in the representative conversation.
Heading into the 2026 season, Sapsford stands as one of the Brumbies’ most adaptable attacking threats. Combined with his leadership and on-field dominance, he represents a major coup for the club and a cornerstone of the Brumbies’ backline for the coming seasons.
Ollie Sapsford said: “I’m really happy to be staying on with the Brumbies. It’s a great club with a strong culture, and I’ve loved being part of it.
For me, it’s about turning up each week, driving standards and ultimately doing what ever it takes to win the comp.
The boys and everyone around the club have made Canberra feel like home, so I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.”
Head Coach Stephen Larkham said:“Ollie’s been outstanding for us. He’s really grown into a leader within the group, so it’s great to have him staying on.
He’s moved around a bit in the backline, but no matter where he’s played, he’s delivered. That kind of versatility is incredibly valuable across a long season.”
ACT Brumbies Director of Performance Cameron Treloar said:{ Ollie’s developed into a key leader within our program, and that’s something we place a lot of value on. We’re building a squad around players who drive standards and set the example for those coming through.
Securing him is a big result for us. His experience and influence, both on and off the field, are critical as we continue to push this group forward.”
The ACT Brumbies will next face theHighlanders on Friday, 10 April at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin…..PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS: Fri 03 Apr 2026
‘See you next year’: bad news from injured key Wallaby Skelton
SYDNEY, 03 APRIL 2026 (AAP)–The Wallabies have been hit by a savage blow with news that key lock Will Skelton has suffered a suspected ruptured Achilles in France which threatens to rule him out of the 2026 Test season.
The former captain told his fans on social media on Wednesday “see you next year”, reporting that his European season is over after he suffered the injury for La Rochelle in a French Top 14 clash against Bayonne at the weekend.
It’s the latest in a difficult run of injuries for the 33-year-old stalwart, who had to limp off in the first half in only his second outing since a calf injury had ruled him out for two months from early January.
“Season cut short. Thanks for all your messages,” Skelton wrote on Instagram. “Always grateful, see you next year.”
He followed up the message by declaring: “I’ll be back soon, I promise”
“There’s a suspected Achilles tendon rupture,” La Rochelle assistant coach, Remi Tales, had reported at the weekend.
“It’s tough for a player like him, given the effort he’s put in to come back after his calf injury.
“We’re all thinking of him and hope he recovers quickly, because we need him.”
Skelton’s message bodes ill for the Wallabies, who had him earmarked as a key pillar amid a busy schedule in 2026.
They kick off their season in July with three Nations Championship Tests against Ireland, France and Italy.
They then tackle Japan in a home-and-away series, travel to Argentina for two Tests and host South Africa for a stand-alone match, before the Bledisloe Cup against the All Blacks.
Skelton, Australia’s skipper at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, has had no luck, having also been ruled out of two Tests against Ireland and France in the Wallabies’ spring tour last November with an ankle knock…..PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: 9 NEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Fri 03 Apr 2026
PNG Chiefs coach Peters denies safety concerns in PNG
SYDNEY, 03 APRIL 2026 (9 NEWS) — Willie Peters has denied safety concerns in Papua New Guinea and is committed fully to the task at hand.
The highly-touted Hull KR coach will be at the helm for the PNG Chiefs inaugural 2028 season, taking on arguably the biggest challenge in NRL history.
In an exclusive interview with Nine’s Danny Weidler on Monday, Peters explained why he was ready for the job and believes the Port Moresby base will bring people closer together once the team gets off the ground, shutting down concerns over player safety.
“The NRL is a tough industry. I know what I’m getting myself into and I’ve worked extremely hard to put myself in this position,” Peters told 9News Sydney. “The NRL is not gonna set up what they’re about to set up and put anyone in an unsafe environment.
“You can walk down a certain part of the street where I am at the moment and it can be unsafe.
“I see the head coach role as being a father figure and I’ve got two boys of my own.
“We’re gonna have a group of people there and we’re gonna be family and that’s an environment we want to create. My wife is coming over and she’s fully invested and my boys – we’re really looking forward to building connections and relationships.”
Peters was also asked if the now-vacant Sea Eagles job came into consideration. “It was never in my mind,” he said.
“Once I make a decision to do something, I’m all in and this is the right decision for us.”
The former Rabbitohs and Dragons halfback confirmed he would step back from his role as Kangaroos assistant coach, but will see out the remainder of this season with his Super League club before relocating to the other side of the world.
Peters’ biggest challenge will be recruiting top-line talent, which the Chiefs will be able to from Nov 1 – but it needs to be about more than money.
“You’d be lying if you didn’t say tax-free dollars are attractive,” he said. “We’ve all got mortgages and things like that and I’m no different.
“When we sign players and staff, naturally the tax-free dollars will be an interest at the start, but it needs to be bigger than that.
“Players and staff would have to come over because they want to be part of something bigger than just rugby league. We’ve got a country that we’re representing.”
Alex Johnston and Xavier Coates are two high-profile players who have been linked with the expansion club, but Peters will need more than that to be competitive.
Peters has an incredible winning record of 72 per cent since taking over the Hull KR job in 2023 and, last year, won the Super League-Challenge Cup double, before also leading the Rovers to the World Club Challenge against the Brisbane Broncos.
While few could expect the Chiefs to compete for a premiership in their first year, Peters said that competing on the field won’t be up for discussion.
“It’s a non-negotiable for me to be competing in that first year,” he said on 100% Footy.
“We don’t have a player signed yet, so we can’t say how good or bad the roster is – that’s for you guys to look at and decide.
“When we start our pre-season, we’re starting it to be competitive as a non-negotiable,” he said….PACNEWS
