Hela Wigmen

Under a packed crowd at the Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday, the Lahanis broke hearts by winning at the final whistle.

Lahanis tagged underdogs started into the match kick-off with heads high to face the might of the Wigmen at all cost.

After some good exchanges by both teams in the opening minutes, it was Lahanis led by veteran captain, Charlie Buka at dummy half, who stayed in the grind and persisted throughout the contest that frustrated the opponents much to the delight of their parochial white and red army of supporters.

Although the Gurias had a scrappy win last weekend, the team will aim to polish up and come much stronger into this match. 

In the match against Vipers last weekend, the crafty little number 9, Nathen Tete, delivered a good service from dummy half. 

He was quick out of ruck into defensive line causing havoc in a tiring Vipers middle. He will be the one to look out for if the game is to break open in the middle. 

Culligan who was also part of the 2021-22 preseason camp, however, due to studies did not make the final squad.

While opportunities may come once, for Wigmen’s captain Valentine Culligan getting  a 2^nd chance to make it back into PNG Hunters training squad was a blessing and on merit after leading his team to another gutsy premiership title win in 2022.

It was Wigmen‘s little livewire Tapie Solu jumping out of dummy half to put Wigmen in front first 6-0 before Vipers reciprocated with a freakiest corner try to left winger Kora Lega to equalize 6.

Wigmen again continued to dominate field position and this time the nippy Patrick Morea scored a trademark try from dummy half to put Wigmen back in front 12-6.

Talita joins the Gulls from the Hela Wigmen in the Papua New Guinea Digicel Cup competition where he was their captain and led the team to the 2020 premiership.

The 26-year old strike centre has been one of the leading players in the Digicel Cup and represented Papua New Guinea at the Rugby League World Cup 9s in 2019.

Seagulls CEO Hanan Laban says Talita will be one to watch this season.

“Stanford has been a star in the Digicel Cup and we are very fortunate to bring him to Wynnum,” Laban said.

2020 defending champions QPR Colts made the top 4 but fell short to a stronger and classier Wigmen outfit in the preliminary finals.

East Sepik provincial capital of Wewak was buzzing with rugby league enthusiasts when teams from 8 different provinces converged at the Pora Oval for the 2nd Agmark Sepik rugby league 9s challenge played over Friday and Saturday.

The big showdown however went beyond the 80 minutes of regular time when both teams were tied up 18 all at fulltime.

After the 18-all deadlock at fulltime, the PNG National Rugby league Competition under International Rugby League rules had to use provisions in its competition rules to allow for the minor semifinal playoff between Tumbe and Wigmen to continue into extra time to decide the ultimate winner.

The much anticipated do or die blockbuster had everything and played in true finals spirits that had its share of ugly moments with tempers flaring on the field.

The Snax Tigers will have the advantage as they play on home soil against the Wigmen and a tough affair awaits for both teams who are current competition leaders so far after round five. 

An epic battle is looming for Lae rugby league fans this Sunday when current Digicel Cup joint leaders reigning champions Kroton Hela Wigmen meet up with archrivals Lae Snax.

From the onset, both teams have remained consistent and are beaming with confidence going into Sunday's contest.

The small but significant event took place at the Koitaki Country club just outside of Port Moresby on Friday.

The event coincided with the official announcement of Kroton Hela Wigmen’s 35 men playing roster for 2021.

At Friday’s launch, Chairman of Hela Wigmen Board Any Hetra said to arrive at this final squad wasn’t an easy task.

He said after 6 months of rigorous preseason training, trials and selections the board has come up with final 35 men squad they believe the best team to defend the cup this year.