Emotional mum watch son shine with Kumuls
A mother’s love knows no bounds - it is a force that drives courage, sacrifice, and unwavering support. For Puri Navu, a widow from the quiet coastal village of Viriolo in Abau District, Central Province, Papua New Guinea that love recently took her on a remarkable journey to witness her son, Gairo Voro, achieve a lifelong dream.
From the rugged backroads of Viriolo to the bustling streets of Port Moresby, Puri made the long trip this week just to watch her son proudly wear the PNG Kumuls jersey for the first time - a symbol of national pride that unites a thousand tribes.
Leaving behind her daily chores and the comfort of home, she caught a PMV on Wednesday, enduring the bumpy ride from the village to the Magi Highway and onward to the nation’s capital. Her destination: the Santos National Football Stadium, where her son would run out wearing the number 6 jersey for the Kumuls in their clash against Fiji Bati.
When the team took the field on Saturday, November 1st - the emotions would have hard to comprehend except for what she could share if she wanted to.
Watching Gairo run out in the national colors - a young man she had raised since he was a boy - was a moment she had never really imagined the way it unfolded.
Adding to the emotion of the day, the Kumuls triumphed 50-18, making her journey even more unforgettable.
Family members in Port Moresby, including Gairo’s uncle Wari Ilamanuwale, hosted Puri for the occasion. Wari said the experience was deeply moving for everyone.
"It was her first time to see her son wear the Kumuls jersey and run out with pride and she was emotional," Ilamanuwale said.
“We were honored to help Puri travel to Port Moresby and accommodate her so she could see Gairo play for the Kumuls. It was a very special moment for all of us.”
For Voro, the moment capped off an extraordinary year. After a breakout season with the PNG Hunters, his Kumuls debut last week against the Cook Islands signaled the arrival of a new star in Papua New Guinea rugby league.
Fans across the country - and abroad - have been quick to rally behind the humble young man from Central Province, whose talent, discipline, and humility have captured hearts everywhere.
Voro had to play a more commanding role without the presence of the more experienced Kumul Lachlan Lam, who started off the bench following mild health challenge during the week.
Voro played his heart out - tackling like a man possessed with the Fijians targeting him with increased runs straight at him whole game - not making things any easier for him.
There was one set Voro made consecutive tackles the Viriolo found himself exhausted and on his haunches.
Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou sees big things ahead for the young man and during a press conference after the game praised him for his resilience.
The game was broadcast live and carried on multiple channels and social media outlets given rights for the Pacific Championships so Voro's heroics didn't go unnoticed by talent scouts.
The next few weeks should be interesting in that space.
But for Puri that trip to watch her beloved son in the Kumuls colours will remain entrenched in her mind as she returns home to her humble village setting.
How she will share her experience with the rest of the family back at Viriolo is another chapter on its own.
For her son - the opportunity for an improved rugby league contract offshore has just got much better - and that is another chapter of this man's rugby league journey.