Jason Demetriou lands surprise new role – as one-time Rabbitohs coach replaces Justin Holbrook
- Will coach the Papua New Guinea national team
- Was sacked as Rabbitohs head coach in April
- PNG will also become NRL’s 19th license in 2028
Papua New Guinea rugby league bosses believe the appointment of Jason Demetriou as coach of the national team is a “very positive” step on the road to inclusion in the NRL.
Demetriou will lead the Kumuls through the Pacific Championships in October, his first coaching job since being sacked as South Sydney head coach in April.
The appointment follows an Australian government-backed bid by Papua New Guinea companies as the most likely candidate for the NRL’s 19th licence, expected to be awarded in 2028.
“Everything we do is in preparation for becoming an NRL team and we believe Jason’s appointment is another positive step towards that goal,” said PNG NRL Candidate General Manager Andrew Hill.
“Having someone of Jason’s stature take on the role of head coach of Kumuls is a huge step towards NRL participation.”
Demetriou could remain as national coach through the 2026 World Cup, by which time the potential franchise’s preparations for NRL participation will be well underway.
“We are interested in building a long-term relationship with Jason ahead of the 2026 RLWC and are in discussions with Jason and look forward to concluding this shortly,” said Stanley Hondina, PNGRFL General Manager.
Souths moved Demetriou up after a 1-6 start to the 2024 season and the team’s defeat in the finals race the year before, when they had led the competition for 11 rounds.
Jason Demetriou has been handed a lifeline in rugby league as the former Rabbitohs coach takes charge of the Papua New Guinea national team
The Papua New Guinea company is the most likely candidate for the NRL’s 19th licence, which is due to be awarded in 2028 (pictured are local Kumuls fans)
The 48-year-old’s coaching career was dogged by suggestions he struggled to manage the bigger personalities in the squad, with tensions leading to club legend Sam Burgess’ abrupt departure from the coaching staff in 2023.
Demetriou was previously Wayne Bennett’s protégé at Brisbane and later Souths. He took over as head coach in 2022 and led the Rabbitohs to a preliminary final that year.
He also held assistant coaching roles at St George Illawarra and North Queensland, including during the Cowboys’ defining season in 2015.
As a player he spent his entire career in the UK and currently works as a commentator for radio station Triple M.
Demetriou said he is “excited about what lies ahead” with Papua New Guinea, where Justin Olam, Alex Johnston and Jack de Belin are among their NRL prospects.
“The game in Papua New Guinea is going from strength to strength and it is a fantastic opportunity to work with such a talented squad,” said Demetriou.
‘I have followed the team with interest over the years and they have a passion for the game, which you can see every time they put on the Kumuls shirt and represent their country.
‘I know there is a huge amount of work being done at school and academy level to prepare the next generation of players and I am incredibly excited to be able to build on that with the senior team.
“It’s a great time to be involved in the game in this country.”