Papua New Guinea rugby league star Rhyse Martin has been appointed as the PNG Chiefs’ Football Operations Manager from 2027, in another major step towards the club’s planned entry into the NRL.
The announcement marks a significant addition to the PNG Chiefs’ football leadership team as the club continues preparations for its inaugural NRL campaign in 2028.
Martin, who has strong family ties to Hula in Central Province through his father, returns to Papua New Guinea after building an outstanding professional rugby league career across the NRL and Super League competitions.
The former Kumuls captain made his international debut for Papua New Guinea in 2014 and went on to become one of the nation’s most capped representatives, making 18 Test appearances. He remains the Kumuls’ all-time leading point scorer and is widely regarded as one of PNG’s most recognisable rugby league figures.
Martin made his NRL debut with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2018 before enjoying a successful Super League career with Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR, making more than 160 appearances in the English competition.
During his time with Leeds Rhinos, Martin also set a world record for the most consecutive goals kicked, landing 41 straight conversions.
Over the past two seasons, Martin worked under future PNG Chiefs head coach Willie Peters at Hull KR, where he earned a reputation as one of the competition’s most reliable and respected players.
Away from the field, Martin has focused on leadership and education, completing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Sports Studies while building a strong reputation for professionalism and player leadership.
In his new role as Football Operations Manager, Martin will oversee football operations, player welfare and integration programs, while supporting players and families transitioning to Papua New Guinea ahead of the club’s launch.
PNG Chiefs General Manager for Football Michael Chammas said Martin’s appointment would strengthen the club’s football department.
“Rhyse has had an incredible career as a player but he still has so much to offer the sport,” Chammas said.
“He has the trust of our coach Willie Peters from their time together at Hull KR and they will continue to work closely as Rhyse steps into a new role at the Chiefs.
“Anyone who has ever met Rhyse will talk about the quality of person he is and how passionate he is about Papua New Guinea. The combination of those two things makes him such an important off-field signing for the club and we are proud to have him joining our football staff.”
PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said Martin’s appointment highlighted the organisation’s long-term vision.
“Every appointment we make is about building the right culture, the right leadership and the right foundations for long-term success,” McPherson said.
“Rhyse represents everything we want this club to stand for — professionalism, humility, leadership and deep pride in Papua New Guinea.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome him and his family home as part of this journey towards 2028.”
Martin is expected to relocate to Port Moresby with his wife Vanessa and their two children ahead of the club’s full operational launch in October 2027.
