Parramatta Eels legend and Burleigh Bears head coach Luke Burt, centre, has been named as the assistant coach of the PNG Chiefs.
Photo: Burleigh Bears Facebook
Parramatta Eels legend Luke Burt has been named as the assistant coach of the PNG Chiefs.
Burt made 264 appearances for the Eels in the NRL, scoring 124 tries to become their all-time leading try-scorer.
He was part of their 2001 and 2009 campaigns which ended in grand finals.
As a coach, he has held roles at the Eels, the Titans, and the Burleigh Bears in the English Super League.
He coached the Bears to the premiership trophy last season.
He will start at the Chiefs in November 2027, after seeing out this and next season with the Bears.
Burt said his full attention remains on the Bears and “what we can achieve together over the next two seasons”.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity with the PNG Chiefs but understand I wouldn’t have had this opportunity without the Bears club, staff and playing group,” he said.
“This club means a great deal to me and I’m committed to finishing my time here strongly.”
PNG Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas said Burt’s signing would ensure head coach Willie Peters has depth and experience in his coaching ranks.
“He had an exceptional career as a player, but what excites us the most is what he has done as a coach,” Chammas said.
“He has shown he can develop players and build a winning culture through what he has done at the Burleigh Bears.”
The Bears said Burt has played a significant role in the continued success at the club.
Bears CEO Damian Driscoll said the club was supportive of their coach’s next career opportunity.
“While never wanting to lose people of the calibre of Luke, we take great joy in seeing players and staff come through the Hostplus Cup and take the next steps in their careers,” Driscoll said.
Samoa’s star Jarome Luai was the Chiefs’ first player signing, and the NRL’s all-time leading tryscorer, Alex Johnston, has also been confirmed.
The PNG Chiefs are set to join the NRL in 2028.
