He just got the job of coaching the NRL’s new team in crime-torn PNG. Here’s why Willie Peters swears players will be safe – despite never setting foot in the country

Newly appointed PNG Chiefs coach Willie Peters is adamant player safety won’t be a concern as he prepares to take on potentially the biggest challenge in NRL history.

Peters, 47, will be based in a high-security compound with his wife and their two boys – and admitted he has never set foot in Port Moresby.

The Chiefs will enter the NRL competition in 2028, and Peters – who was an assistant coach for Kevin Walters when the Kangaroos won the Ashes last year in England – knows he has some daunting challenges ahead of him.

According to eufy.com, the capital of Papua New Guinea has one of the highest crime rates in the world.

The Raskol gangs and armed robberies often run amok, with frequent reports of assaults and vehicle-related thefts.

Tourists also require escorted travel at all times.

Peters will be based in a high-security compound with his family – and admitted he has never set foot in Port Moresby (pictured right, helping coach the Kangaroos in the Ashes last year)

As a capital, Port Moresby has one of the highest crime rates in the world, with poor law enforcement (pictured, footy fans at a rugby league game in PNG)

Despite the potential obstacles, Peters insists he will create a ‘family’ atmosphere in the nation where rugby league is the number one sport.

‘The NRL is a tough industry, I know what I’m getting myself into and I’ve worked extremely hard to put myself in this position,’ Peters told Nine News.

‘The NRL is (also) not gonna set up what they’re about to set up and put anyone in an unsafe environment. 

‘We (players and PNG Chiefs staff) will all be family… that’s an environment we want to create. My wife is coming over, she’s fully invested and our boys – we are really looking forward to building connections and relationships.’

Peters’ key focus will be recruiting top-line talent, which the Chiefs will be able to do from November 1 this year.

It is understood Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary and Melbourne Storm pivot Cameron Munster are on his hit-list.

Boasting a remarkable win record of 72 per cent since taking over at Hull FC in the Super League in 2023, tax-free contracts are certain to attract quality NRL players to the Chiefs.

Peters also stated on Channel Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday it is ‘non-negotiable’ that his team will be competitive from the outset.

‘I believe what we build with the Chiefs can change the lives of Papua New Guineans for generations to come,’ the former South Sydney and St George Illawarra Dragons halfback said after securing the top job.

‘Not many coaches get an opportunity like this… it transcends rugby league.’