DEM Cup Launches 36th Season

The Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup (DEM Cup) officially launched its 36th season on Tuesday night, 31 March 2026, at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby.

The event brought together sponsors, partners, and representatives from all 12 franchises, including captains, chairmen, team managers, and invited VIPs, marking the beginning of another exciting season of rugby league in PNG. 

The 2026 season was formally launched by the Minister for Sports, Honorable Kinoka Hotune Feo, who highlighted the continued growth and importance of the competition, which continues to improve its standards every year.

Minister Feo thanked Digicel and ExxonMobil PNG for their support, whose backing ensures that the competition continues to run smoothly. He also acknowledged PNGRFL’s CEO Stanley Hondina and PNGNRLC’s Chairman Adrian Chow for their leadership. 

Hon. Feo further thanked the CEOs, Managers, club officials, match officials, and the players, wishing the participating teams good luck in their 2026 campaign. 

CEO Stanley Hondina and Chairman Adrian Chow echoed Minister Feo’s words, extending their appreciation to the sponsors, partners, stakeholders, coaches, teams, and the fans for their continued support over the years. 

While the reigning premiers, the Lae Snax Tigers aim to defend their title, the 11 participants are also setting their sights on taking the coveted title out of the Tigers’ grasp. 

Newcomers, the Morobe Kandes, have joined the semi-professional competition this season, while the 11 teams from last season have retained their spots.

Round 1 kicks off on Sunday, 12 April, across four venues: Port Moresby’s Santos National Football Stadium, Enga's Aipus Oval, Goroka’s National Sports Institute, and Madang’s Ron Albert Oval. 

Fixtures:

• NPL Enga Mioks Vs Moni Plus NCDC PoM Vipers (Aipus Oval)

• Gas Resource Central Dabaris Vs Asila Waghi Tumbe (NFS)

• PRK Gulf Isou Vs PRK Mendi Muruks (NFS)

• Kroton Hela Wigmen Vs Lae Snax Tigers (NFS)

• Bintangor Goroka Lahanis Vs Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles (NSI)

• Morobe Kandes Vs ENB Agmark Gurias (Ron Albert Oval)

Established in 1990, this will be the 36th season for Papua New Guinea men’s national domestic competition (DEM Cup) that continues to make inroads every year. 

PC: PNGNRLC