Voro wins Betfred C’ship Player of the Year

From the small village of Viriolo in Central Province to the top of England’s Championship rugby league, Gairo Voro has capped a remarkable debut season by being named the 2026 Betfred Championship Player of the Year.

The 23-year-old Papua New Guinea international received the prestigious individual award at the Rugby League Awards Night last night after an outstanding first season with the London Broncos.

Voro was selected ahead of Oldham’s Josh Drinkwater and Doncaster’s Connor Robinson for the award, which recognises the player judged to have made the biggest impact in the Championship this season.

The nominees were selected through a poll of head coaches from the competition’s 20 clubs.

For Voro, the recognition marks another major milestone in a journey that began in Viriolo, in the Abau District of Central Province.

He started playing rugby league in his village before progressing through PNG’s semi-professional competition, the Hostplus Cup, where his performances eventually earned him an opportunity to take his career to England.

He has since made a significant impact in his first season with the Broncos.

Voro scored 30 tries across all competitions, establishing himself as one of London’s leading performers and playing an important role in a successful campaign.

His contributions helped the Broncos secure the League Leaders’ Shield and win the 1895 Cup, adding team success to his individual achievement.

But behind the tries and trophies is a story familiar to many young rugby league players in Papua New Guinea — one of talent emerging from the grassroots and finding an opportunity on the international stage.

His rise from village rugby league to one of England’s leading competitions has highlighted the depth of talent available in PNG’s communities and grassroots competitions.

For the young Central Province product, being recognised as the best player in the Championship represents the biggest achievement of his career so far.