Hela Wigmen announce 35-man squad for 2025 Digicel ExxonMobil cup

Thursday, 20 March 2025, 4:26 pm

Hela Wigmen players in a post-try celebration during the 2024 DEM Cup finals in Port Moresby (Image: Pilai Piksa)

Hela Wigmen has announced its final 35-man squad for the 2025 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup campaign after an intense 10-week pre-season.

Amongst the new look squad include former Central Dabaris duo Stafford John and Lote Kuman, Gurias hitman Francis Takai and former Hunter Casey Dickson.

“The selection process wasn’t easy. Our final squad is a balanced blend of fresh, young players and seasoned campaigners,” Wigmen chairman Handy Hetra said.

“We are about finding talents and nurturing them to be elite players and final contenders – bringing the best within themselves to reach their full potential.

“We pride ourselves in exporting talents to SP Hunters and overseas contracts.”

The Kroton-sponsored outfit have bagged 3 premiership titles in five grand final appearances since 2014.
Hetra said the grand final loss against Mt Hagen Eagles last year, has motivated the club for a better campaign in 2025 DEM cup.

“We have retained most of the playing squad from last year with few inclusions to add depth into our roster,” he said.

“A special mention to our players elevated from our development squad last year — Semion John, Joel Tadape, Komi Toliman, and Steven Kombane — who have shown outstanding progress and are ready to take on the rigours of top-level competition.

“Our stringent selection process has allowed us to create something special out of nothing each season.”

The chairman said board has confidence in the players selected, who will have the pride of wearing the jersey to represent the people of Hela.

He said the goal is to exceed all expectations and focus on another premiership run this season.

The squad: Kaupa Sipa, Stafford John, Norman Brown, Siki Konden, Micheal Philimps, Komi Toliman, McWin Worinu, Joel Tandape, Terence Wemin, Lote Kuman, Tony Wemin, Solomon Pokare, Simon Arana, Woods Kawage, Job Kar, Manu Kame, Bradley Micheal, Casey Dickson, Steven Yei, Ramsy Hondole, Phil Awoda, Steven Kombane, Menso Laki, Christopher Taria, Ruben Yawas, Messach Wallen, Simeon John, Francis Takai, Kopu Piju, Gabriel Olam, Nigel Nenta, Shalom Bawa, Christopher Culligan, Bossy Alua, Quipa Namane.