'I know what I'm getting into': Willie Peters reveals 'non-negotiable' for PNG Chiefs, denies safety concerns
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Willie Peters has spoken for the first time since being appointed as PNG Chiefs coach, denying safety concerns and committing fully to the task at hand.
The highly-touted Hull KR coach will be at the helm for the expansion club's 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.
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Willie Peters speaks about the PNG Chiefs coaching role. Getty/Nine
"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.
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"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.
Willie Peters with the Super League trophy. PA Images via Getty Images
Peters' biggest challenge will be recruiting top-line talent, which the Chiefs will be able to from November 1 this year - 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.
Alex Johnston has been linked with the Chiefs. Getty Images for RLWC
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."
