Jason Demetriou lands surprise new role – as one-time Rabbitohs coach replaces Justin Holbrook

Papua New Guinea rugby league bosses believe hiring Jason Demetriou as coach of the national team is a ‘really positive’ step on the path to inclusion in the NRL.

Demetriou will take charge of the Kumuls for the Pacific Championships in October, his first coaching job since being axed as South Sydney’s head coach in April.

The appointment comes as an Australian government-backed bid from Papua New Guinea firms as the likeliest candidate for the NRL’s 19th licence, set to be granted in 2028.

‘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,’ said PNG NRL bid chief executive, Andrew Hill.

‘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.’

Demetriou could remain in charge for the 2026 World Cup, by which time the prospective franchise’s preparations for entry into the NRL would be in full swing.

‘We are interested in building a long-term relationship with Jason leading up to the 2026 RLWC and have been in talks with Jason and are looking forward to finalising this soon,’ said PNGRFL chief executive Stanley Hondina.

Souths moved Demetriou on following a 1-6 start to the 2024 season and the side’s capitulation from finals contention the previous year, when they had led the premiership through 11 rounds.

It comes as Papua New Guinea firm as the likeliest candidate for the NRL’s 19th licence, set to be granted in 2028 (pictured, local Kumuls fans)

The 48-year-old’s coaching tenure became dogged by suggestions he struggled to manage the bigger personalities on the roster, tensions which contributed to club legend Sam Burgess’ abrupt exit from the coaching staff in 2023.

Demetriou had previously been Wayne Bennett’s protégé at Brisbane and then Souths, taking over from the master coach in 2022 and leading the Rabbitohs to a preliminary final that year.

He has also held assistant coaching roles at St George Illawarra and North Queensland, including during the Cowboys’ drought-breaking 2015 premiership season.

As a player, he spent his entire career in the United Kingdom. He is currently working as a commentator for radio station Triple M.

Demetriou noted he was ‘excited about what lies ahead’ with Papua New Guinea, who count Justin Olam, Alex Johnston and Jack de Belin among their NRL talents.

‘The game in PNG is going from strength to strength and it is a fantastic opportunity to work with such a talented squad,’ said Demetriou.

‘I have watched the team with interest in recent years and they have a passion for the game that shows itself every time they pull on the Kumuls jersey and represent their country.

‘I know that a tremendous amount of work is being done at school and academy level to help prepare the next generation of players and I’m incredibly excited to be able to work off the back of that with the senior team.

‘It is a great time to be involved in the game in this country.’