2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup

Going into Sunday's main drawcard of the triple header, both teams had remained winless since the opening Round.

Lahanis fielded the majority of their 2023 grand final playing group but still had to fight tooth and nail to get the points against a young resilient Isou line up.

Billed as the main drawcard of Sunday’s triple-header at the Santos National Football Stadium, both franchises have been left down at the cellar, winless, since round one of the new season. 

At the Santos National Football stadium, Digicel Exxon Mobil Cup 2023 grand final runners-up, Bintangor Goroka Lahanis find themselves at a crossroads when they face a young fast improving PRK Gulf Isou side who are also in the hunt  for their first win of the season after some close results.

The triple header at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday, April 28, saw the Kroton Hela Wigmen defeat the Gulf Isou 18-8 in the first match.

In the second match-up, the rejuvenated Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles accounted for the East New Britain Agmark Gurias 22-14.

Hondina said the PNGRFL is promoting gender equality and equal participation not only on the football field but also at the workplace.

He said having the Women’s semi-professional competition running will do good for the code and sponsors alike. He provided how the initial competition would look like when it commences in four months’ time.  

“Women’s Digicel ExxonMobil Cup will start this year in August, running for 7 weeks; and it’s going to be called Women’s Digicel ExxonMobil Cup.

Lahanis captain, Charlie Buka made this comment following their 16-22 defeat on Saturday at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

At the end of a successful season for any franchise club, players often join other clubs and the Lahanis was no different. The franchise lost several players to rival clubs along with the head coach.

Wabo put his words into action on Saturday in Port Moresby, steering the Vipers to a 22-16 win over 2023 runner-up, Bintangor Goroka Lahanis in the season opener.

The Wamp Nga Mt. Hagen Eagles held off the determined PRK Gulf Isou outfit 20-14 in the close and entertaining contest.

The young Isou outfit had worked hard in the preseason and were out with renewed passion to make a statement for this year’s campaign, but were denied with 6 points.

It also marks the dawn of a new era for a faster, fairer and futuristic game for the fans to enjoy.

The unveiling of the new Digicel Exxon Mobil Cup on Tuesday night’s season launch presents a new challenge for the 12 franchise clubs when rivalry begins this weekend in Port Moresby, Lae,  Kimbe and Minj.

The opening round of the new season is sure to generate a great deal of hype and excitement for the fans around the four designated hosting venues.

The competition enters a new era focusing on a “Faster, Fairer, and Futuristic” game for fans to enjoy.

Asila Waghi Tumbe will host the Gas Resources Central Dabaris in Minj, as they return to the elite competition, whilst in West New Britain the WNB Provincial Government Kimbe Cutters will attempt to beat the Lae Snax Tigers unless the visitors bite back.

While it’s back to the drawing board for returning head coach, Roger Laka so much has happened behind the scenes with a big off-season talent identification program that covered the main districts of Gulf Province and the Moresby suburbs from November to December last year.