Morea and Glare join London Broncos as Demetriou opens UK pathway for PNG talent

Kumuls fullback Morea Morea (left) and Finley Glare are the first players signed to London Broncos under coach Jason Demetriou (Image: NRL)

Papua New Guinea’s rugby league pride is set to shine brighter on the international stage, with Kumuls stars Morea Morea and Finley Glare signing with the London Broncos under national coach Jason Demetriou.

Demetriou, who was appointed head coach of the London Broncos in September, confirmed that several PNG players will join him in England as the club prepares for the 2026 English Championship season.

“You’ll have to keep an eye on the London Broncos social media pages, there’ll be more than a few coming with me,” Demetriou hinted during a recent media conference.

Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou is confident he will lure more PNG players to London Broncos (Image: PNG Kumuls)

The confirmation of Morea and Glare’s signings has sparked excitement among rugby league supporters in PNG, igniting the nation’s growing presence in the global game. Both players were instrumental in the 2025 Kumuls’ Pacific Bowl victory, helping the team secure its third consecutive title and a second under Demetriou’s leadership.

Demetriou said he was proud to see homegrown PNG talents make the leap to England and looked forward to working with them on a weekly basis.

PNG Kumuls fullback Morea Morea scores the first try of 2025 Pacific Bowl Championships against Fiji Bati (Video: NRL)

“I’m thrilled to have Morea and Finley on board,” he said. “They represent what Papua New Guinean rugby league is all about - passion, humility, and heart. I know they’ll light it up in the UK.”

While social media speculation suggests other PNG players could soon be announced, Demetriou maintained that he remains fully committed to the PNG Kumuls, who are preparing for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

“I’m not leaving the national team,” he stressed. “This role in London will make me a better coach for the Kumuls, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Finley Glare scores off the boot of Dudley Dotoi in the 2024 PMs XIII clash in Port Moresby (Video: Kumuls)

The London Broncos, now owned by former Brisbane Broncos great Darren Lockyer, are rebuilding with an eye on Super League promotion by 2027, and Demetriou’s connection with PNG could prove central to that mission.

For Papua New Guinea, the move is a proud moment that reinforces the country’s reputation as rugby league’s most passionate nation. As Morea and Glare prepare to wear the Broncos jersey, fans back home will be watching closely, cheering on two of their own as they carry PNG’s pride into the English game.