The NRL will welcome it’s 19th team to the competition in 2028, as the PNG Chiefs enter the Australian game for the very first time.
The Chiefs will follow the Perth Bears, who join in 2027, as the NRL’s newest franchises, and whilst their recruitment window will open on November 1 of this year, they have already set their sights on a number of players.
The club have always stated that they want to be able to provide a pathway to the NRL f0r Papua New Guinea-based players, as the next generation of Kumuls look to follow in the likes of Nene MacDonald, Alex Johnston and Justin Olam’s footsteps in making it to first grade.
Newly-appointed head of rugby, Michael Chammas, has revealed one player who he wants to bring to the club ahead of their inaugural season, and he currently turns out for London Broncos.
The Jason Demetriou-led side brought over a number of PNG players this off-season, and that has seen them become one of the strongest sides in the second tier’s history.
One of those stars is Gairo Voro, the half-back likened to NRL and Samoa playmaker Jarome Luai both for his hairstyle and playstyle.
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Voro, 22, has made three international appearances for the Kumuls, and was a key player in the PNG Hunters’ reserve grade season in 2025.
His efforts has attracted the interest of Chammas, who has made it public knowledge that he wants to pursue a deal for the London man.
“He’s an exceptional talent and the attention he has received from other clubs is a reflection of his hard work and those who have played a part in his development,” Chammas told the Daily Telegraph in Australia.
“We’ve let Gairo and his manager, Wayde Rushton, know that we see him having a big future at the PNG Chiefs. His manager has told us that Gairo also sees his future at the Chiefs, so we will work with the new coach when appointed to make sure that happens.
“It’s important for us to have our homegrown stars part of what we build, and Gairo wants to be part of the journey.”
One team that were said to be interested in Voro were Perth, who are still on the lookout for recruits ahead of their first season.
However, the half-back’s home connection makes Chammas think that Voro is set to snub Mal Meninga’s side for a contract back home.
He continued: “Gairo is an example of what we want to see more of in PNG. A young kid who came through the system, developed his skills and is showing the world that he is a very capable footballer.
“We are excited by what he is doing at the London Broncos under Jason Demetriou. It’s great that the Perth Bears recognised that, but we felt it was important for us to let him know that he’s part of our plans and we’re thrilled he wants to come home in 2028.”
