PNG Chiefs’ Coaching Hunt: Cleary Snubbed as GM Chammas Pivots from Press Box to Front Office
The highly anticipated entry of the Papua New Guinea Chiefs into the NRL competition in 2028 has hit a significant hurdle, with a major coaching target ruling out a move to the new franchise. Four-time premiership-winning coach Ivan Cleary has reportedly declined an offer, leaving the Chiefs to look elsewhere for a leader. This development comes as the club’s newly appointed general manager, Michael Chammas, has shed light on his own unexpected transition from a prominent journalism career to one of the most challenging roles in professional rugby league.
Speculation had been rife that the PNG outfit would attempt a sensational package deal for both Ivan and his son, star playmaker Nathan Cleary. The rumoured offer was said to be so substantial that it would have been virtually impossible for any existing NRL club to match. However, even the allure of significant tax-free incentives and the unique challenge of building an expansion side from the ground up failed to sway the highly successful Penrith Panthers coach.
“We did inquire about Ivan Cleary, but unfortunately, Ivan has made it clear that coaching the PNG Chiefs is not part of his future plans, so we are moving forward,” Chammas confirmed in a recent radio interview. He added that with Cleary’s contract set to expire at the end of 2027, it would have been “negligent” not to explore the possibility. “That decision has been made, and we absolutely respect Ivan’s decision.”
With Cleary out of the running, the focus now shifts to other potential candidates. Jason Demetriou and Adrian Lam are understood to be the leading contenders for the crucial coaching position. For the NRL, securing the right coach for the PNG franchise is paramount, as the venture represents what many believe to be the code’s biggest gamble in recent history.
Chammas, who will be instrumental in these key decisions, has made a significant career pivot. After dedicating two decades to journalism, establishing himself as one of rugby league’s most respected voices, he has now stepped into the high-pressure world of club administration.
From the Sidelines to the Inner Sanctum: Chammas’s Journey
Chammas’s transition from reporting on the game to actively shaping its future is a story in itself. While a familiar face on television, a frequent guest on podcasts, and a regular contributor to newspapers, a growing desire for a more hands-on involvement in rugby league began to take root in 2024. A pivotal experience came when he joined the Sydney Roosters in Las Vegas as a guest of coach Trent Robinson and club chairman Nick Politis, offering him a unique glimpse behind the curtain.
“My initial motivation for entering journalism was rooted in my own playing aspirations,” Chammas explained. “I played rugby league, but I wasn’t quite good enough to reach the elite level I aspired to. So, my question became: how can I remain closely involved with the sport? I’m not a literary genius or a star student, so I identified journalism as the most effective pathway to stay connected to rugby league. That’s how it all began.”
For close to twenty years, Chammas immersed himself in the sport, driven by a constant fascination and a deep-seated desire to be at the heart of the action. The 2024 experience with the Roosters, travelling with the team to Las Vegas, proved to be a significant turning point.
“I had the opportunity to be alongside the Roosters on their journey to Vegas, spending four or five days within their inner circle, a privilege extended by Nick Politis and Trent Robinson,” he recounted. “I attended team meetings, travelled on the team bus, and observed training sessions, gaining an unfiltered, first-hand perspective of the internal workings of a top-tier club. That was the moment I realised I wanted to do more than just report on the game; I wanted to be an active participant.”
This newfound curiosity prompted Chammas to engage in extensive conversations with various individuals within the sport. Subsequently, an opportunity arose from the NRL itself, presented by ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys and CEO Andrew Abdo, to join the PNG Chiefs project. Chammas expressed his deep gratitude for this chance.
Navigating the Challenges of a New Franchise
The question naturally arises: can an experienced journalist, accustomed to observing from the outside, successfully navigate the intense pressures of launching a new franchise in a challenging environment? Chammas appears confident that his strategic approach will mitigate these risks.
“The reality is, I bring 20 years of accumulated knowledge of the game and its key figures – players and agents have been contacting me since my appointment was announced,” he stated. “This doesn’t mean I possess all the answers, and I’m not naive enough to believe I don’t have a steep learning curve ahead. However, I do have a significant head start compared to many general managers who enter the role with limited experience.”
Chammas elaborated on this advantage, highlighting his familiarity with the rugby league landscape and its personalities. “Knowing the terrain, understanding the people involved, and having individuals proactively reach out to me will undoubtedly be beneficial,” he said. “But crucially, I need to surround myself with people who possess expertise in areas where my experience is less extensive. My immediate priority over the coming months is to assemble that support network to ensure I have the necessary assistance to succeed.”
