Gairo Voro, Morea Morea and Finley Glare become the first Papua New Guinean-born players to sign development deals with the PNG Chiefs, strengthening the club’s commitment to building a pathway for local talent into the NRL.
The dream of seeing Papua New Guinea’s finest rugby league talent represent the country’s own NRL franchise is becoming a reality, with the PNG Chiefs securing three rising stars on two-year development contracts ahead of their historic entry into the competition in 2028.
Kumuls representatives Gairo Voro, Morea Morea and Finley Glare have become the inaugural development signings for the Chiefs, marking a significant milestone for a club determined to place Papua New Guinean talent at the heart of its future.
Currently playing for the London Broncos, the trio have earned recognition through their performances in England after progressing through Papua New Guinea’s rugby league development system.
Their signings represent more than just another recruitment announcement. They signal the beginning of a pathway designed to give Papua New Guinean players a genuine opportunity to develop, compete and establish themselves at the highest level of the game.
THREE TALENTS, ONE NATIONAL DREAM
At just 23, Gairo Voro has already established himself as a promising playmaker. The five-eighth made his PNG Hunters debut in 2024 before representing the Kumuls at Test level in 2025. His attacking ability has also translated to England, where he scored 18 tries in 20 appearances for London Broncos during the 2026 season to the time of the announcement.
Morea Morea, 25, has been equally impressive. The fullback, who represented the Kumuls in 2024 and 2025, scored 29 tries in 17 appearances for the Broncos, emerging as the leading try-scorer in the Championship at the time of the announcement.
Finley Glare, 22, completes the trio. A hooker and former Junior Kumuls captain, Glare followed the Hunters development pathway before making his Kumuls Test debut in 2025. His attacking impact has been evident in England, with 14 tries in 12 appearances for London Broncos.
Their performances underline the depth of Papua New Guinea’s emerging rugby league talent and the potential for local pathways to produce players capable of competing internationally.
BUILDING MORE THAN AN NRL TEAM
For PNG Chiefs chief executive Lorna McPherson, the signings reflect the broader opportunity the franchise can create for Papua New Guinea, both on and off the field.
The club has emphasised that its ambitions extend beyond assembling a competitive squad. Developing local players, creating professional opportunities and inspiring the next generation are central to its long-term vision.
The inclusion of Voro, Morea and Glare provides an early example of that commitment, offering young Papua New Guineans a tangible demonstration of what can be achieved through dedication, talent and development.
PNG Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas also highlighted the importance of the deals in preparing a competitive squad for the club’s inaugural NRL season.
The contracts reward the trio’s performances while allowing their development to continue as the Chiefs build towards 2028.
The club has also acknowledged the contributions of London Broncos and the PNG Hunters, recognising the role both organisations have played in the players’ progress.
A PATHWAY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
Papua New Guinea has long been recognised for its passion for rugby league and its ability to produce talented players. However, turning that potential into sustained opportunities at the highest level remains a major challenge.
The arrival of the PNG Chiefs creates a new opportunity to strengthen the connection between grassroots football, the Hunters, the Kumuls and elite professional rugby league.
For aspiring players across the country, the development contracts offer a powerful message: the road to the NRL can begin at home.
The challenge now is to turn that opportunity into long-term success. Continued development, strong coaching, professional standards and consistent performances will be essential as the three players work towards the Chiefs’ inaugural campaign.
With 2028 approaching, the club’s recruitment and development strategy will play a crucial role in determining how competitive it can be from its first season.
For Voro, Morea and Glare, the next chapter is an opportunity to build on the foundations they have already established and compete for a place in the club’s future.
For Papua New Guinea, their signings represent an early step towards a bigger ambition: building an NRL team that not only represents the nation but also creates opportunities for the generations that follow.
The journey to 2028 has begun — and for three homegrown talents, the dream of wearing the PNG Chiefs colours is now within reach.
Author: Michael B