PNG Chiefs Pursue Coaching Talent, General Manager Shifts from Journalism
The burgeoning Papua New Guinea Chiefs, set to enter the National Rugby League (NRL) in 2028, have reportedly made overtures to a highly sought-after coaching figure, though their efforts have not yielded the desired result. Speculation had been rife that the expansion club would attempt to secure a significant coup by luring four-time premiership-winning coach Ivan Cleary, along with his son Nathan, to the team with an offer designed to be financially irresistible. However, these ambitious plans have been dashed, with Cleary opting to remain with the Penrith Panthers.
Michael Chammas, the newly appointed general manager for the PNG Chiefs, has shed light on the club’s recruitment strategy and his own surprising career pivot from seasoned sports journalism to the high-stakes world of NRL club management.
“We did ask the question of Ivan Cleary,” Chammas confirmed on radio station SEN. “Unfortunately, Ivan has made it clear that it’s not in his plans to coach the PNG Chiefs, so we’ve moved on. With someone like Ivan being off contract at the end of 2027, I think it would have been negligent of us not to explore that possibility. We respect Ivan’s decision and that chapter is now closed.”
The search for a head coach is a critical task for the PNG Chiefs, with Jason Demetriou and Adrian Lam understood to be prominent contenders for the role. The NRL is keenly aware that securing the right coaching appointment is paramount to the success of what is shaping up to be one of the league’s most significant gambles. Chammas will be instrumental in guiding these crucial decisions.
From the Press Box to the Front Office: Chammas’s NRL Journey
Chammas’s transition into the NRL’s operational sphere marks a notable shift after two decades spent as one of rugby league’s most respected journalists. His extensive experience, encompassing television appearances, podcast contributions, and newspaper columns, provided him with an intimate understanding of the game and its key figures.
The catalyst for his career change appears to have been a formative experience in 2024. While covering the NRL’s historic foray into Las Vegas, Chammas was invited by Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson and club chairman Nick Politis to join the team’s inner circle. This immersive experience offered him an unprecedented glimpse behind the scenes.
“My initial motivation for pursuing journalism was rooted in my own playing aspirations,” Chammas explained. “I played rugby league, but I didn’t quite reach the elite level I had aimed for. My primary goal was to remain involved in the sport. I’m not a particularly gifted writer or academic, so journalism presented the most viable pathway for me to stay connected to rugby league. That’s how it all began.”
An Inside Look Fuels a New Ambition
For nearly twenty years, Chammas dedicated himself to reporting on the game, driven by an enduring fascination and a desire to be close to the action. His time with the Roosters in the lead-up to the Las Vegas matches proved to be a pivotal moment.
“In 2024, I had the opportunity to travel with the Roosters on their journey to Vegas,” he recounted. “I spent four or five days immersed in their camp, invited into their inner sanctum by Nick Politis and Trent Robinson. I attended team meetings, travelled on the team bus, and observed training sessions. It provided me with an invaluable, firsthand perspective of the internal workings of an NRL club.”
This experience ignited a new ambition within him. “It was the first time I felt a strong desire to do more than just write about the game – I wanted to be actively involved in it,” Chammas admitted. This newfound curiosity spurred him to engage in conversations with numerous individuals across the sport. Subsequently, an opportunity arose through the NRL, presented by Chairman Peter V’landys and CEO Andrew Abdo, to contribute to the PNG Chiefs project, a role he expressed profound gratitude for.
Navigating the Challenges of a New Franchise
The question naturally arises: can a seasoned journalist successfully navigate the immense pressures of establishing a new NRL franchise in a challenging and unfamiliar environment? Chammas, however, exudes confidence in his ability to assemble a capable team and steer the club towards success.
“The reality is, I bring 20 years of in-depth knowledge of the game and its people to this role,” he stated. “Players and agents have been reaching out to me since my appointment was announced. I’m not claiming to know everything, and I’m certainly not naive about the steep learning curve ahead. However, I believe I have a significant head start compared to many general managers who enter the role with limited experience.”
His advantage lies in his established understanding of the rugby league landscape and his existing relationships with key figures in the game. “Knowing the intricacies of the sport, understanding the people involved, and having individuals proactively contact me will undoubtedly be beneficial,” Chammas noted. “But crucially, I need to surround myself with people who possess expertise in areas where my experience is less extensive. My immediate priority over the coming months is to identify and recruit those individuals to ensure I have the necessary support system in place.”
