Luke Burt to join PNG Chiefs

The UAA Burleigh Bears can confirm that Head Coach Luke Burt has signed with the PNG Chiefs as an Assistant Coach commencing in the 2028 season.

Importantly, Burt remains fully committed to the Bears and will continue as Head Coach through to the completion of the 2027 season.

Since joining the club in 2021 as an assistant Coach to Rick Stone and then taking over the Hostplus Cup head Coach position in 2023 , Luke has played a significant role in the continued success at the Club. In his tenure at the Bears, Burt has taken the Hostplus Club to two Grand Finals, including winning the 2025 Hostplus Cup.

Burleigh Bears CEO Damian Driscoll said the club was supportive of Luke’s next career opportunity.

“Luke has been outstanding for our club and this opportunity is a deserved recognition of the work he has done both on and off the field. 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.

“We are pleased that Luke remains committed to leading the Bears through until the end of the 2027 season and we look forward to continuing the strong direction of our football program during that time.”

Burt said his focus remains firmly on achieving success with the Bears before beginning his next chapter.

“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, so my full attention remains on the Bears and what we can achieve together over the next two seasons.”

“This club means a great deal to me and I’m committed to finishing my time here strongly.”

The Bears will continue planning for the future of the club’s football program while maintaining full focus on upcoming seasons under Burts leadership.