Wigmen, Tigers advance to semifinals

Kroton Hela Wigmen and Lae Snax Tigers have booked their place in the semifinals after conquering the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup elimination round.

2022 premiers in Wigmen defeated Agmark Gurias, 22-14, setting an epic minor semifinal clash against Tigers, after they ousted Mendi Muruks in a 10-8 contest.

Wigmen have had a seesawing season, staying out of top-6 for the first time, but the three-time premiership winning side are on a fairytale run under the guidance of rookie coach Ian Yaro.

Yaro took over from Seth Ripp midway through the competition when Wigmen slumped to bottom of the ladder. The Hela provincial outfit are no stranger to finals race and would be aiming to reach the decider.

Lae Biscuit-sponsored Tigers are also a familiar face in finals contention piled with experience, the pride of Morobe province will be eager to take on Wigmen as they look regain supremacy. 

The Wigmen and Tigers game will be the main highlight of the second week of Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition finals this weekend.

In the major semifinals clash – reigning champions Enga Mioks and 2024 minor premiers Mt Hagen Eagles will face off in Sunday’s blockbuster at the Santos National Football Stadium.

Mioks will be anticipating to defend the cup as they work towards securing back-to-back titles in premier rugby league.

Eagles have rose to be serious contenders of the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup under the leadership of mentor Francis Ray.

Ray has converted Eagles from wooden spooners to premiership contenders in one season, and the Western Highlands team will be aiming for the major title after pocking the minor championship.

Winner of the match between Eagles and Mioks will secure the first grand final spot whilst the loser will meet the winner of Tigers-Wigmen clash.