From a breathtaking 60-metre try to a player-of-the-match performance, Gairo Voro announced himself on the Rugby League World Cup stage in spectacular fashion as the PNG Kumuls launched their campaign with a commanding 42–18 victory over Lebanon.
The young five-eighth delivered a performance to remember at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday, October 17, showing confidence, attacking instinct and maturity beyond his years in front of a passionate home crowd.
Voro wasted little time making his mark. In the eighth minute, he pounced on a Lebanon error, gathered the loose ball and raced approximately 60 metres to score the opening try, sending the home supporters into celebration.
But his impact did not end there.
In the 30th minute, Voro turned creator, breaking through the Lebanese defensive line before delivering a well-timed pass back inside for Nixon Putt to score. His contribution helped the Kumuls establish an 18–0 lead before Lebanon fought back to trail 18–12 at half-time.
Papua New Guinea responded strongly after the break, lifting the intensity and scoring four second-half tries to secure an impressive opening victory.
Voro’s confidence and relentless footwork throughout the contest earned him the player-of-the-match award, capping a memorable first appearance at the Rugby League World Cup.
A rising star delivering on the biggest stage
Voro’s performance comes after an impressive rise through the ranks of Papua New Guinea rugby league, with his development taking him from the domestic competition to the professional game with the London Broncos.
His emergence has also attracted attention ahead of the PNG Chiefs’ historic entry into the NRL in 2028, with the young playmaker already signed on a development contract with the expansion club.
Saturday’s performance offered a glimpse of what he could bring to the Chiefs in the years ahead. His ability to capitalise on defensive mistakes, create opportunities for teammates and attack space makes him an exciting prospect for the future.
However, the biggest reward may be the confidence gained from performing under pressure on the international stage.
For the Kumuls, Voro’s emergence provides another reason for optimism as they pursue World Cup success. For supporters across Papua New Guinea, his performance represents the exciting potential of a new generation of homegrown talent.
One match does not define a career, but Voro has made one thing clear: he is ready to make his presence felt on the international stage.
After a dream World Cup debut, the challenge now is to build on that performance and help the Kumuls turn their winning start into a successful tournament.
Author: Michael B