PNG Chiefs Put Culture First as Peters Rejects ‘Cash-Only’ Players

Papua New Guinea’s NRL expansion club is shaping its identity early, with coach Willie Peters declaring that culture will outweigh cash in recruitment decisions.

As excitement builds around the PNG Chiefs and their financial strength, Peters says the club is determined to attract players committed to purpose, not just pay packets.

Appearing on NRL 360, Peters spoke openly about the challenges of luring players to Port Moresby, while also addressing the advantage of tax-free contracts.

PNG Chiefs Put Culture First as Peters Rejects ‘Cash-Only’ Players/Photo by PNGRFL

"Naturally, the tax-free dollars… let's talk about that," Peters said. "That's going to be an interest to people initially, or some people initially. But after that, it needs to be bigger. You know, much bigger than that."

The club is expected to offer competitive deals supported by strong funding, with players to be accommodated in secure facilities.

But Peters stressed that financial benefits alone will not guarantee success on the field.

He said his own decision to join the project was based on a broader vision rather than monetary gain.

"It was for myself and my family," he said.

"My wife wouldn't be coming over if it wasn't something bigger than money. So, what I'm getting at there is we need to make sure that we get the right people over. People that want to be there and players that want to be there for the right reasons."

Peters said the realities of living and playing in PNG would quickly expose those who are not fully committed.

"Because if they're coming over for tax-free dollars, they're not going to have an enjoyable time at all," he said.

"It's about winning rugby league games. It's about building a culture and, as I said, uniting a nation through this team. So for me, mate, it's about getting the right people involved that want to be there."