PNG Chiefs land NSW Origin hero in key coaching appointment

The PNG Chiefs have appointed former NRL halfback and New South Wales Origin player Trent Hodkinson as their Pathways and Development coach. Hodkinson is tasked with building football pathways across Papua New Guinea from grassroots levels up to the NRL, ahead of the Chiefs' planned entry into the competition in 2028.

Hodkinson will collaborate with PNG Hunters coach Paul Aiton in the Queensland Cup to establish feeder systems and assist PNG Academy players with halves development and goal-kicking. He joins head coach Willie Peters, Anthony Seibold, Luke Burt, and Rhyse Martin on the Chiefs' staff.