# Michael Chammas: Building the NRL's PNG Team, Leaving Journalism & Taking Opportunities

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/straight-talk-with-mark-bouris-4048066/michael-chammas-building-the-nrl-s-png-team-leaving-journalism-taking-opportunities
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/straight-talk-with-mark-bouris-4048066/michael-chammas-building-the-nrl-s-png-team-leaving-journalism-taking-opportunities.md
Podcast: [Straight Talk with Mark Bouris](https://stenobird.com/podcast/straight-talk-with-mark-bouris-4048066)
Published: 2026-06-10T19:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://omny.fm/shows/straight-talk-with-mark-bouris-1/michael-chammas-general-manager-of-the-png-chiefs-on-tax-free-salaries-the-teams-line-up-and-building-compounds-in-png
Audio file: https://p.podderapp.com/2544644999/traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/1c4759f0-81fc-4f35-85d1-b305004fc1e8/4ff9aff3-ffc7-4ab3-bf9d-b46400044c0d/audio.mp3?utm_source=Podcast&in_playlist=573776d2-4dbd-4f2f-a825-b305004fc1ef
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Duration seconds: 4040

## Resource

Michael Chammas is the general manager of rugby league's newest expansion team, the PNG Chiefs, in what could be the NRL's most ambitious venture ever. The former Sydney Morning Herald journalist traded his media career for the challenge of building Papua New Guinea's first NRL club from the ground up. Chammas reveals the complex recruitment strategies needed to convince players to relocate their families to PNG, the cultural significance of rugby league to the Pacific nation, and why the tax-free incentives are essential for success. He discusses his transition from breaking stories to making them, the logistical challenges of establishing pathways in a country with 850 languages and 1,000 tribes, and why this team represents more than just rugby league. Why Michael left his dream journalism job for an even bigger dream The family considerations behind relocating to Papua New Guinea  How Jerome Luai's signing changed everything for the Chiefs The reality of living in the Airways resort compound Building rugby league pathways in a developing nation The tax-free salary cap debate and why it's necessary Papua New Guinea's passion for rugby league as its national sport Join my exclusive Mentored+ community: https://mentored.com.au/become-a-member/ Subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here: https://the-mentored-platform-pty-ltd.myklpages.com/l/WWJGc5 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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