Jarome Luai has been watching Gairo Voro long before setting foot in Port Moresby and is already preparing to keep the local PNG Kumuls star under control. But can Voro outplay Luai?
This is the question the rugby league community cannot wait to find out this Saturday when the PNG Kumuls and Toa Samoa run out in front of a sold-out crowd at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
Arriving in Port Moresby yesterday, Samoan playmaker Jarome Luai said he already knew about the London Broncos and PNG Kumuls playmaker, despite this being their first meeting on the field.
Often compared to Luai and dubbed the “Luai clone,” Voro has never met the Samoan star, setting the stage for their first encounter.
“I’ve seen a lot of footage about him (Voro) and how exciting he is as a player,” Luai said.
“I know he is compared to me a lot, but in his own right, he is his own great player.”
Luai, who usually plays at five-eighth, will lead the Samoan outfit at halfback, while Voro will play at five-eighth for the Kumuls.
Both players have signed with the PNG Chiefs. Luai was the first player signed to lead the club ahead of its NRL debut season in 2028, while Voro is on a development contract.
However, when asked whether he was excited to play alongside Voro for the Chiefs and against him for their respective national teams, Luai made it clear that he would show no mercy as he looks to outplay the local star on his home turf.
“I’m here for my country right now, so I’m looking forward to that. I’m here to play against him (Voro), and that’s my job,” Luai added.
Voro earned the man-of-the-match award in the Kumuls’ tournament opener against Lebanon, where he raced past Jason Saab, one of the fastest players in the NRL, to score a try.
He will now look to defend his pride against Toa Samoa this Saturday. Kick-off is at 2:25 pm.
