Digicel ExxonMobil Cup finals set

Friday, 23 August 2024, 2:00 pm

The stage is set as Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition enters a grueling four weeks of finals footy, but one team has been left shattered after an impressive season. 

Central Dabaris hopes of entering the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup finals were crushed by Enga Mioks after they fell short by two points (10-12) in the final game of the season.

Clash between the Central Dabaris vs KCH Enga Mioks (Supplied)

Dabaris heartbreaking loss to Mioks last weekend [Saturday] paved way for Hela Wigmen to seal the sixth spot after they defeated Port Moresby Vipers 34-10 at the Santos National Football Stadium.

Despite both teams settling with 19 points apiece, points differential propelled the the-time premiers into finals contention.

The Digicel ExxonMobil Cup finals will kick off with the elimination round this weekend when the ENB Agmark Gurias host Wigmen in the first match scheduled for 1pm at NFS.

Lae-based clubs in Snax Tigers and Mendi Muruks will play the main game at 3:15pm for an electrifying affair that should stage an epic finish in the double header.

Losing sides bow out of the title race whilst winners will meet in the minor semifinals next weekend.

Meanwhile, the top two teams in Mt Hagen Eagles and Enga Mioks are on bye and will face off in the major semifinals in second week of finals.

Minor premiers Eagles have rose to be a serious contender for the 2024 trophy as reigning champions Mioks look to defend the title.

Winner of the Eagles and Mioks game will book the first grand final spot whilst the loser will take on the winner of the minor semifinal match.

The final 6 standings after regular round saw Eagles finish on top followed by Mioks, Gurias settling at third spot whilst Tigers embraced fourth place with Muruks right behind in fifth position and Wigmen sealing of last spot of finals battle on sixth locus.  

The bottom six seats of the 12-team competition were kept by Dabaris who finish the season on seventh place, Waghi Tumbe claiming the eight place, 2023 grand final runners up Goroka Lahanis at ninth spot, whilst Kimbe Cutters improved their ranking to conclude the year in tenth seat with Vipers finishing second last for the first time and Gulf Isou taking out the wooden spoon for 2024 season with a disastrous winless campaign.