PNG Chiefs set for another key signing with former Eels star

First came head coach Willie Peters, followed by star player signings Jarome Luai and Alex Johnston.

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Now according to multiple reports the PNG Chiefs are set to announce another key football department addition with the appointment of Q Cup premiership-winning coach Luke Burt as an assistant for their entry into the NRL in 2028.

The 44-year-old played 264 games for Parramatta between 1999-2012 before transitioning into coaching with the Eels’ U20 side in the National Youth Competition.

Burt joined the Gold Coast Titans as an assistant coach in 2018 under Garth Brennan and a year later became the club’s joint interim head coach when Brennan was sacked mid-season.

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Burt was himself replaced at the Titans by Justin Holbrook ahead of the 2020 NRL season and has coached Brisbane Broncos feeder club Burleigh Bears in Q Cup since 2023, boasting 44 wins from 66 matches. 

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Currently sitting second on the ladder in 2026 the Bears won the Q Cup premiership in 2025 and boast a roster that includes Broncos stars Josh Rogers, Phil Coates, Va’a Semu and Blake Mozer.

Critically, Burt is no stranger to rugby league in PNG having taken his Burleigh Bears side to Port Moresby to face the PNG Hunters on several occasions during the past three Q Cup seasons. 

The two sides will meet again at Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday June 14 where Burt will no doubt receive a hero’s welcome from local fans.

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