Trent Hodkinson to join PNG Chiefs Football Department

The PNG Chiefs welcomed former NRL halfback Trent Hodkinson to its Football Department with the State of Origin-winning playmaker set to join the club as its Development and Pathways Coach.

The position will play a critical role for the PNG Chiefs in establishing and enhancing its pathways systems across the country, with Hodkinson’s experience helping the club to progress emerging talent across Papua New Guinea.

Hodkinson will work closely with the PNG Hunters Coach Paul Aiton and the side as they operate in the QRL Hostplus Cup competition, further strengthening the pathway and connection between the side and the PNG Chiefs ahead of their NRL entry in 2028.

This experience will benefit the wider football program and be a vital sounding board for Head Coach Willie Peters as the club prepares for its inaugural season, while also beginning to introduce the club’s playing and development approaches for 2028.

He will also work with future PNG Chiefs Academy players, with a particular focus on developing halves, general play kicking, and goal-kicking.

PNG Chiefs Head Coach Willie Peters welcomed Trent and his family to the club.

“I’m looking forward to working with Trent and seeing how he will help develop the skills of our players across all levels – helping them continue to become stronger first-grade players and better in all aspects of the game,” Peters said.

“He will play a key role in identifying talent and helping players progress to the next level while also increasing the skills of our NRL halves and team as a whole.”

PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said the role was a sign of the strong partnership between both clubs and their shared desire to see Papua New Guinean rugby league talent be developed and celebrated at the highest level.

“Trent’s appointment supports our continued commitment to building a team and a pathway that unites communities across PNG, inspires the next generation of players, and ultimately gives the whole country something to be proud of,” she said.