Jason Demetriou has landed a surprise new role with the former South Sydney head coach taking over Papua New Guinea’s national team.
Justin Holbrook was previously in charge of the Kumuls but decided to leave his post in order to work under Mal Meninga for Australia later this year.
"Being able to bring someone of the calibre of Jason Demetriou in to coach the Kumuls is fantastic news for the game in PNG," PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina, said upon the appointment.
"He will bring a great knowledge of the game and a winning mindset to the role, and we believe that he is the perfect fit for what we are looking to create with our national side."
Former Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou lands PNG Kumuls job
Demetriou will take over the Kumuls as they will attempt to defend last year’s Pacific Bowl title that they won with a victory over Fiji in the final.
The plan is for the former Rabbitohs mentor to lead PNG into the 2026 World Cup, where they will host a number of games on home soil.
"The game in PNG is going from strength to strength and it is a fantastic opportunity to work with such a talented squad," Demetriou said.
"It is a great time to be involved in the game in this country and I’m excited about what lies ahead."
Demetriou was axed by the Bunnies just two months into this season as the NRL side plummeted towards the bottom of the ladder.
The form slump continued a horror run for the club after they had slid from the top of the ladder to narrowly finish in eighth spot in 2023.
Although it is reported Demetriou impressed the PNG powerbrokers with his enthusiasm and commitment to the national role, which will give him an opportunity to revive his coaching career.
Part of his job will also focus on establishing infrastructure for youth pathways, so PNG is ready to launch an NRL franchise in the future.
"Having someone of Jason’s standing in the game take on the Kumuls head coaching role is another great step towards becoming part of the NRL," PNG NRL Bid Chief Executive, Andrew Hill, said.
"Everything we are doing is in preparation for becoming an NRL team and we believe Jason’s appointment is another really positive step towards that goal."
