Muruks maintain pole spot in Digicel ExxonMobil Cup

Monday, 13 May 2024, 4:21 pm

Muruks winger Vali Geno in action during round 5 of Digicel ExxonMobil Cup (Pilai Piksa)

Mendi Muruks have held strong to the no.1 spot in the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) after five rounds.

Muruks recorded their fifth consecutive win in the country’s elite competition following a gutsy 26-18 victory over Central Dabaris yesterday.

The pride of Southern Highlands has strengthened its position in top-6 and have shown a glimpse of a latent run to premiership title.

PNG NRLC has picked up intensity after round 5 with teams unleashing their intentions for the 2024 season as the competition nears first-quarter ending.

Waghi Tumbe hosted the winless Gulf Isou in Jon Amban Oval after several flight reschedules over the weekend. Isou’s disastrous start to the competition continued as the hosts Tumbe demolished them with a 32-8 scoreline in Jiwaka.

Isou succumbed to a fifth straight loss whilst Tumbe registered their second win of the season after a slow twitch.

2023 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup grand finalists in Enga Mioks and Goroka Lahanis met for the first since the epic showdown in September last year.

Mioks played host to Lahanis at Aipus Oval in Wabag as both sides were predicted for an epic match, but, the reigning champions ran riot over the visitors with a dominant 28-4 win.

Heading down to Lae, the Snax Tigers punished Mt Hagen Eagles with a 38-16 belting in a front of a packed Lae Rugby League Oval.  

In the nation’s capital, Rabaul Gurias outclassed Hela Wigmen, 19-12, to conclude the weekend footy in style at the Santos National Football Stadium.

Meanwhile, the outstanding round 5 fixture between Kimbe Cutters and Port Moresby Vipers has been rescheduled to a later date this week after numerous flight disruptions.