Kokopo Marlins proved the better side to take the first game defeating Rabaul Ashes 22-14 at the Kalabond oval.
The rugby league rivalry between Kokopo and Rabaul is a new concept that was first trialed out in 2021 and now has become an annual event to kick-off the new footy season.
The make-up of the two teams had a good mix of promising young local talent, led by a host of current Guria players in the likes John Ragi jnr, Ilias Stanley, Koni Benard, Chris Benjamin, Nathan Tente and Junias Guan to guide them around the park.
