The PNG Chiefs have taken another major step towards their inaugural NRL season, announcing the signing of the club's first-ever Papua New Guinean-born players on full-time development contracts.
Morea Morea, Finley Glare and Gairo Voro have each signed two-year development deals, marking a historic moment not only for the expansion the club but for rugby league in Papua New Guinea.
PNG Chiefs General Manager – Football Michael Chammas described the announcement as one of the most significant moments in the club's history.
"Today marks a monumental occasion for this club, but an even more significant moment for this country," Chammas said.
"When I first arrived, we made a commitment that this club would provide a platform for young Papua New Guinean boys and girls to achieve greatness. Today, that promise begins to become reality."
Chammas said the signings represented far more than three contracts.
"This is about three families who have sacrificed so much, three villages that have nurtured these young men, and an entire country that has waited generations to see this opportunity become possible."
The trio will join the Chiefs on full-time development contracts as the club prepares for its entry into the NRL in 2028.
While not yet members of the club's Top 30 squad, Chammas said each player had a genuine opportunity to earn an upgraded contract through their performances over the next 18 months.
He said, "This is not an end point. It's the beginning. They'll train with us full-time, and they'll have every opportunity to prove they belong alongside some of the elite players we've already signed. Nothing is owed to anyone. Everything has to be earned."
Chammas said the club remained committed to ensuring the Chiefs reflected Papua New Guinea while maintaining high performance standards.
"We've made it clear this needs to be a Papua New Guinean team, but selection will always be earned."
The General Manager also acknowledged the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League, the SP PNG Hunters, the Kumuls program and the London Broncos for their role in developing the three players.
"We're standing on the shoulders of people who have worked for years to create these pathways."
Chief Executive Officer Lorna McPherson said the announcement represented hope for young people across the country.
"For me, today isn't just about signing three players. It's about possibilities for Papua New Guinea," McPherson said.
"It's about every boy and girl across our nation believing that their dreams matter."
McPherson said the Chiefs were building more than an NRL club.
"We're building belief in Papua New Guinea. We're building the belief that we deserve a seat at the table. We're creating a pathway where every child has hope and every child can see a future."
Having watched the three players develop through local pathways, McPherson said seeing them become the first locally born players signed by the Chiefs was a proud moment.
"This is for every person who has worked to grow rugby league in Papua New Guinea. It's never been easy but today shows that the hard work is paying off."
The three players are expected to continue their development before joining the Chiefs for their inaugural NRL campaign in 2028, with club officials confident they have the talent to eventually secure full Top 30 contracts.
The announcement is another significant milestone as the PNG Chiefs continue assembling their inaugural roster following the signings of established NRL players Jerome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson and Matty Lees.
