By STEVE MASCORD
PAPUA New Guinea Chiefs have signed London trio Morea Morea, Gairo Voro and Finley Glare for 2028 – but where they are next year depends on Britain’s Rugby Football League.
Trumpeted as “the first PNG-born players to sign”, they have been given development contracts rather than places in the the Chiefs top 30, for two years.
The recruitment has led to question in some quarters about where the trio will play next year but that’s already been answered by GM Michael Chammas.
“We’ve been quite honest with the London Broncos boys because we don’t believe the Championship is an ideal launching pad into an NRL career,” the former journalist told this reporter on May 31.
“So if they’re going to be in the NRL system, we’d like them playing Super League next year or coming back home to play in the Queensland Cup for the Hunters.
“We’ve been quite clear on that: we don’t think Championship is the right preparation for them to go into an NRL pre-season so let’s see how the next few months pan out.
”With the London Broncos, we’d love to see them in the Super League, we’d have no qualms about them staying here for another year.”
Currently the structure and number of teams in Super League next year is unknown.
If based on IMG points, London believe they have a chance of being promoted.
PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said: “Today is an important day for the Chiefs as we highlight the opportunities that this rugby league team will create for Papua New Guinea.
“We are proud to have Gairo, Morea and Finley join the Chiefs ahead of the 2028 season and we celebrate together the way they have earned this opportunity through their hard work, passion and talent.
“As an organisation, we know how important this team will be not just on the field but off it, and these three players will help to demonstrate our commitment to building strong pathways and an inspiration for all young Papua New Guinea players.
“These young men are great ambassadors for our country, and we can’t wait to officially welcome them and their families to the Chiefs in 2028.”
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