Coach’s public pitch amid fears Chiefs could become Dad’s Army
Papua New Guinea coach Willie Peters has put the call out to younger NRL players who may be reluctant to sign with the Chiefs for their inaugural season in 2028.
His public pitch comes as Gold Coast teenager Cooper Bai looks poised to sign with the league’s 19th club, having told the Titans he won’t stick around on the glitter strip beyond next year.
Cooper Bai in action for the Titans. NRL Images
Bai, 19, was flown to Port Moresby this week to tour facilities and be courted by Chiefs powerbrokers, at the same time the club unveiled its logo and jersey.
He would be the youngest player to sign with the team to date, by far.
Jarome Luai (29), Zac Lomax (27), Alex Johnston (31), Joey Manu (30), Connor Watson (30), Brian To’o (28), and Matty Lees (28) are the seven players signed for 2028 so far.
All bar Lomax and To’o will be in their 30s by the time the team makes its NRL debut and Peters is way of rolling out a Dad’s Army outfit for the inaugural season.
While a Chiefs-only compound is being built to house players, staff and their families, and there is an island resort which can be accessed exclusively at their leisure, there remains doubts over the attraction of moving to one of the world’s most dangerous cities.
The PNG capital historically has a high crime and violence rate and the latest advice from the Australian government is to “exercise a high degree of caution” for Aussies while in the country.
It’s been suggested players who don’t have a partner or family might find it hard to remain in a compound with minimal social opportunities outside the Chiefs organisation.
Peters, who travelled to PNG for the first time this week to attend Wednesday’s logo unveiling, believes the lifestyle will attract a certain type of player.
“At the moment we have got players (aged), 30, 29, 28 - experienced players,” he told 2GB’s Sports Today on Wednesday night.
“But I certainly think it fits players... there are players playing in Sydney at the moment where the Sydney lifestyle gets the better of them. I have played with players who had natural ability, but couldn’t handle the city life.
“If players in their early 20s feel they can develop their football here, we want to speak to them. I believe it’s going to suit those players as well.
Willie Peters speaks about the PNG Chiefs coaching role. Getty/Nine
“A lot of people have said younger players won’t come here... I’ve been here for four days, been to a number of restaurants, played golf, so there are things to do.
“We are here to work, but there is much to do around work as well.”
The Titans on Wednesday confirmed Bai will be released from his 2028 contract with the club.
He is expected to sign with the Chiefs, but News Corp reports Gold Coast will also be willing to release him for 2027 if a suitable player swap is offered. Melbourne’s Trent Loiero and Roosters’ Lindsay Collins are the players the Titans are reportedly interested in gaining in exchange for teen forward Bai.
The PNG connection carries a subplot given his father Marcus Bai currently sits on the Chiefs’ board. Marcus is also a Storm great, having played 144 games and won the 1999 grand final with the Melbourne club.
Marcus was publicly critical of his son when the teenager reneged on an agreement to join Melbourne to remain with the Titans this year.
Addressing the impending departure, Titans head coach Josh Hannay emphasised the club’s internal depth while wishing the 19-year-old well in his opportunities.
“We have some outstanding young middle forwards coming through, including Bodhi Sharpley, Viliami Fifita and Torino Jackson, who we believe can become key members of our squad in the coming seasons,” Hannay said.
“Cooper has grown a lot as a player and a person over the past 12 months, and we’re proud to have played a part in supporting his development.”
While the Chiefs remain the clear frontrunners to secure Bai’s services in 2028, they face potential heavy-hitting competition.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports the Roosters and Storm may be keen to sign the promising forward long-term rather than just for 2027.
