Digicel Cup

Manager of the PNG National Rugby League Competition, Stanley Hondina, made this comparison to the first three rounds of the 20-17 season this week.

He said the matches served justice to the competition level itself, and giving fans and supporters what they deserve.

At the Oil Search National Football Stadium in the nation's capital, the Vipers caused an upset beating the Snax Lae Tigers 18-14.

In the second match, the Wigmen were too strong for the Chimbu Warriors beating them 26-6.

Up in the Highlands, the Mioks def. Giru Waghi Tumbe 10-4 and the Lahanis def. PRK Mendi Muruks 24-10. 

To Kokopo, the Gurias thumped PRK Gulf Isou 26-4.

This is the eighth year of Digicel’s sponsorship of the semi-professional rugby league competition.

CEO of Digicel Media & TV, Charlie Clementson said the renewal of sponsorship was part of Digicel’s overall goal to be the home of rugby league in the country.

 “We have NRL on TVWAN plus the Hunters games in the Intrust Super Cup as well as the Digicel Cup games.

“It’s the place to watch for all things rugby league. It’s something that we’ve strived to work towards and are really proud of.”

The 26-year-old from Simbu Province made his debut in the Digicel Cup for the TNA Simbu Lions back in 2014.

“In 2016 I played with the Hela Wigmen and last year with the Agmark Rabaul Gurias, which was my best year.

“So far I’ve played in two grand finals – in 2015 for the Lions and in 2017 for the Gurias. I feel I am ready.”

Issac admitted there is pressure on the new Hunters players to defend the Intrust Super Cup this season.

“With experienced players like Enoch Maki standing beside us, we’ll be prepared to defend the Cup.

This was confirmed by Competition Manager of the PNG NRLC, Stanley Hondina at a press conference today held at the National Football Stadium.

“This is in compliance with our Competitions Operations Manual to have all finals in neutral venues,” said Hondina.

Hondina added the grand final of the Digicel Cup is scheduled for Saturday September 9 at the PNG Football Stadium.

“It will be played on September 9 because the next day on Sunday September 10, the SP Hunters will host the major semi-final at the National Football Stadium.

Competition Manager for the PNG NRLC, Stanley Hondina said a tent will be set up at the Sir John Guise Stadium gate opposite Vision City where tickets can be purchased.

Ticket prices: Club Lounge- K150, Grandstand- K50, Outer stand- K20.

“Tickets will go on sale starting tomorrow, Saturday and on Sunday as well, “said Hondina.

“Everybody in Port Moresby is urged to come and watch the final four teams battle it out for the coveted Digicel Cup.”

This Sunday’s finals of the Digicel Cup will be played at the PNG Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

Starting at 2pm, Waghi Tumbe will play host to competition leaders, Lae Snax Tigers.

Across to Goroka, the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis will clash with the visiting PRK Mendi Muruks.

Down to the nation’s capital, the NCDC Port Moresby Vipers have a date with the Kroton Hela Wigmen.

Finally, all the way in Kokopo, the Agmark Rabaul Gurias are scheduled to take on the EPG Enga Mioks.

All three matches in Goroka, Port Moresby and Kokopo are set to kick off at 3pm.

In the games in Port Moresby yesterday, Wigmen def. Waghi Tumbe 30-24 and Gurias def. NCDC Port Moresby Vipers 18-12.

Up in Wabag today, Mioks def. Bintangor Goroka Lahanis 16-14 and in Lae, Tigers def. PRK Mendi Muruks 12-6.

The current standings:

Lae Snax Tigers (16), Agmark Rabaul Gurias (15), PRK Mendi Muruks (14), Kroton Hela Wigmen (13), EPG Enga Mioks (10), Bintangor Goroka Lahanis (8), Waghi Tumbe (8), NCDC Port Moresby Vipers (4).

Matches in round 12 will be played in Port Moresby and Lae this weekend.

In Port Moresby, Vipers def. Bintangor Goroka Lahanis 24-18. In Lae, Tigers defeated EPG Enga Mioks 18-16.

Across to Kokopo, Gurias won Kroton Hela Wigmen 16-12. Up to Goroka, Muruks took out Waghi Tumbe 10-0.