Former Brisbane Roar and Australian national team coach Frank Farina has taken on a new challenge.

The 46-year old has taken the reins of the Papua New Guinea national team, ranked 203 in the world, for the South Pacific Games in Noumea in September.

He has taken on an initial 12-week contract and says he is looking forward to the test.

"My focus now is the PNG men's soccer team,'' Farina told AAP.

"I think my knowledge and experience of the teams in Oceania will put me in good stead to help PNG realise its dream - a spot at the World Cup qualifying tournament.

"It's a good fit for me in that I can still live in Brisbane but get my hand back into coaching.

"PNG has the talent and the mental game to prove themselves in the region, especially at the Pacific Games level."