Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers

In Round One, Vipers had to dig deep to overcome the 2023 grand final runner ups, Bintangor Goroka Lahanis 22-16. In their Round 2 match last week, the Vipers surged home to beat returning Asila Waghi Tumbe 20-12.

Under the former Vipers player turned coach Charlie Wabo, the 2024 season couldn’t have a better start than stringing together back-to-back wins, elevating them to the top of the competition table on 4 pts.

Stone, who coaches athletes and runs his own athletics club in Port Moresby, was with Hela Wigmen last year as a Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Stone’s appointment took effect immediately after the club signed up Goroka Lahanis 2023 grand final runners-up coach Charlie Wabo as Head Coach for 2024.

Stone was a typical Tokarara suburb street kid who was brought up in a home that taught strong discipline and respect through his dad and PNG Taekwondo black belt and instructor Jamuga Stone.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop made this announcement at the NCD Governor’s Cup Grand Final, on December 31, 2023.

This will see Wabo returning to the franchise where he won the competition as a player back in 2013. In some ways, it is a homecoming for him.

The Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers, representing the Nation’s Capital, has been performing below expectations over the years.

They would make finals in one year and in the next year, they would struggle to make the cut.

Wigmen beat Moni Plus NCDC Vipers 22-20 at the Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday.

After a horror start to their title defense, accounting for a draw and 3 disappointing losses, the 2022 premiers showed glimpses of what a quality side they can be on their day, after picking up their first win of the season at the expense of Vipers. 

After trading conservative sets in the opening exchanges, Vipers struck first in the 5th minute when big Stanton Albert burrowed his way over from close range, to put his team on the front foot 6-0.

With all the hype about their big offseason recruitment drive and the high expectations from fans, foundation club and the flagship of the nation’s capital, Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers are starting to show their dominance and class in the Digicel Exxon Mobil Cup.

Vipers have recorded 3 wins out of 4 on the trot and look to continue their winning form in their pool matches.

Against Isou on Sunday, Vipers made no secret about what their game plan was, with a dominant opening first half that kept their opponents on the back foot for the entire contest.

The former SP PNG Hunter was exceptional in kick returns, ball carries and was a constant threat for the Kroton Hela Wigen on their try-line.

Every-time he had his hands on the ball, the Vipers looks dangerous. He was hard to contain in most of the game which is a promising sign for the Port Moresby Team going further into the season.

Edene uses his experience, height, and speed to his advantage and was a shining light for the team that has been struggling to stake their claim as genuine title contenders in the recent years.

The much anticipated big showdown in Round 3 of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, was marred by a comedy of errors from both sides especially in the second half.

Wigmen's horror start to their title defense continued after conceding a late try to Gilmo Paul to deny them their first win of the season. Wigmen were leading 14-12 with 3 minutes to go.

The match started on a flyer with both teams getting through their sets in the opening quarter.

And then mistakes and ill-discipline got the better of both teams resulting in multiple stoppages by the match referee.

The new look Vipers outfit were trailing 6-0 at halftime.

Despite flight delays and the long hours of waiting while on transit from Mt Hagen to Port Moresby after the Wabag game, the Gurias showed a lot resolve and resilience to hold out the Vipers early opening surge defensively.

Gurias spine was led by general Ase Boas, Karis Peter and Man of the Match, Nathan Tente who controlled the play well from the outset to get their attack going.

After the Kerowagi Coffee Cup select side successfully completed their three-match tour to Port Moresby last month, a return friendly is confirmed for Dickson oval in Kundiawa tomorrow.

The new partnership came about after the Kerowagi Coffee Cup tour to Port Moresby. Interestingly two players from the Kerowagi side namely, Kasi Gabriel (prop) and Timothy Andy (backrower) were scouted and included in the Vipers Academy side to play against their home side.

Patrick dedicated his award to his late father, who passed away in 2019. His father’s love of rugby league motivated Patrick to start playing league.

Playing five eight for the Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers, 24 year old Yunny Patrick joined the Vipers three years ago, after being with Gulf Isou for two.

Patrick grew up seeing his father being passionate about rugby league, and this motivated him to play league, after moving to Port Moresby.

Patrick’s father passed away in 2019. When he received his award, Patrick dedicated it to his late father.