The PNG Chiefs have appointed former Parramatta Eels winger Luke Burt as an assistant coach ahead of the club’s planned entry into the 2028 competition season.
Burt will officially join the club in November 2027 and will also take on responsibility as the team’s goal-kicking coach.
Related news: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/breaking-news-luke-burt-signs-as-png-chiefs-assistant-coach/
The former Eels try-scoring record holder played 264 matches during a 14-year National Rugby League career, featuring in Parramatta’s 2001 and 2009 grand final teams.
He remains one of the club’s leading point scorers and was regarded as one of the NRL’s most reliable goal-kickers during his playing career.
Since retiring, Burt has moved into coaching, holding roles with the Parramatta Eels and the Gold Coast Titans, including a period as interim head coach of the Titans in 2019.
He later joined the Burleigh Bears in 2020 before being appointed head coach for the 2023 season. Under Burt, the Bears secured a minor premiership and reached the grand final in his first season before winning the premiership the following year.
PNG Chiefs General Manager of Football Michael Chammas said Burt’s coaching record and experience in player development made him a key addition to the club’s coaching staff.
Chammas said Burt and his partner recently visited Papua New Guinea and had expressed enthusiasm about joining the club alongside head coach Willie Peters.
The appointment is part of the PNG Chiefs’ ongoing recruitment and preparation program ahead of the club’s planned 2028 launch.