‘Mate, this joint is buzzing’: PNG Chiefs CEO sheds light on covert nighttime meeting with Braith Anasta

Coogee Oval may not be the first location that springs to mind when considering where the inaugural head coach of the PNG Chiefs would be finalised, but that’s precisely where Willie Peters’ future was sealed last Wednesday evening. His manager, Braith Anasta, along with the club’s football department manager, Michael Chammas, made the crucial arrangements.

This week, Peters, who has led Hull KR to remarkable successes, including the Super League-Challenge Cup double, was officially announced as the head coach for the Chiefs when they join the competition in 2028, marking a significant milestone for the club.

Often regarded as one of the brightest coaching talents in rugby league, Peters has transformed Hull KR from a struggling side into champions.

Anasta, a media personality and rugby league legend, who frequently appears on Fox Sports and hosts the BTFU 180 podcast, represents Peters. In the latest episode of the podcast, Anasta recounted a comical tale of how he and Chammas had to negotiate the coaching deal for Peters on a park bench, under the cover of darkness, at Coogee Oval to avoid media attention.

“We needed to keep it quiet because Peter [V’landys] was concerned about it leaking,” he explained.

“Arriving at Coogee was chaotic on a Wednesday night at 8:30, leading me to express my concern about finding a suitable spot. We initially headed towards Oporto, but quickly realised it wouldn’t suffice, leading us to settle down at Coogee Oval.

“In the dark, we pulled out a laptop and started crunching numbers. We eventually rang Willie and sorted everything out that night.”

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Chammas later confirmed Anasta’s account to Wide World of Sports, praising both Peters and Anasta for their roles in the negotiation process.

“I met Braith at Coogee last Wednesday and remarked on how bustling it was, with no place to lay low,” he said.

“I parked close to Coogee Oval, and we ended up sitting on a park bench, discussing the terms in the tranquil night before ringing Willie.”

“It all went pretty smoothly. They were clear about their expectations, and we were clear about ours, allowing us to reach an agreement within a day or two,” he added.

“Braith and Willie were a pleasure to work with throughout the negotiations.

“It became instantly apparent they were committed to PNG, and we never felt like we were a secondary option while they explored other avenues.”

By Friday morning, whispers of Peters being appointed as the Chiefs’ first-ever head coach circulated, with him outpacing other formidable contenders.

On that same day, Manly parted ways with Anthony Seibold, raising questions about whether this might sway Peters’ decision. However, Chammas remained unfazed.

“It never crossed my mind. People were asking if I was worried, but not at all,” the former Nine journalist stated. “I was confident in his intentions and laughed off any conspiracy theories about his decision-making.

“Even without signing a contract, we were certain of his commitment.”

Now that Peters is on board, the club, under Chammas and CEO Lorna McPherson, is ready to kick off recruitment efforts— a process that’s set to escalate due to Peters’ appointment.

“We’re finally in a position to move forward after weeks of uncertainty,” Chammas remarked. “The excitement among everyone in PNG is palpable, and there’s recognition in Australia of the importance of securing Willie Peters. We’re incredibly proud to have him.”