Rising Isou forward dead

By ROBINSON LEKA
REIGNING Gulf Isou player of the year Roa Maino Gairo passed away on Sunday night at the age of 26 after a short illness, according to the Digicel Cup franchise.
Team manager Raymond Aru told The National yesterday that the actual cause of Gairo’s death was yet to be confirmed as the club joined the rugby league community in mourning the back-rower’s passing.
The Kelerakwa villager, from Aroma, Abau, was named Isou’s 2021 player of the year following a solid campaign in the country’s premier rugby league competition.
“Gulf Isou would like to convey our sincere condolences to his family,” Aru said.
“He has been a committed and loyal Isou player since joining the club in 2019. His consistency earned him the player-of-the-year award in the 2021 season. We now stand with his family in this time of sorrow.”
In a statement yesterday, the club acknowledged Gairo’s commitment to Isou with his award being “rightly deserved for his hard work on and off the field, and leadership”.
Gairo’s local side, Port Moresby Muruks (Menjails), also paid tribute to the Central native.
“He was scouted by the Gulf Isou in the 2018-2019 National Capital District Governor’s Cup tournament while playing for Port Moresby Muruks, also known as the Menjails,” the team said.
“He was one of the best, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this time of pain and bereavement. Rest Easy, Roa, our unique mero (boy).”