Kandes amaze in “Amazing Round”, surging to the top

The Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup Amazing Round top-of-the-table clash saw the Kandes RLC cruise to a 22-14 win over PRK Mendi Muruks on Saturday, 6 June 2026, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

With both teams entering the contest at the back of winning momentum, this blockbuster was predicted to showcase physicality, flair, and determination, as the Kandes and Muruks fought valiantly to secure the pole position. 

The Kandes surprised the ladder-leading Muruks and opened the scoring in the 15th minute through Ames John. One minute before half-time, Jayden Numapo scored a long-range try, putting the Kandes on the front foot with a 12-0 lead.

After the break, the Madang-based team continued its attacking rhythm, with Joseph Martin crossing over the line in the 48th minute, increasing the lead to 18-0. The Kandes scored again in the 51st minute through Mal Hilton after Dickson Pipi fumbled the ball inside the try line, extending the margin to 22-0.

Scratching their heads in disbelief, the Muruks restrategized their execution and hit the scoreboard for the first time through Levai Andrew, reducing the deficit to 22-4. Following Levai’s try, the Muruks dominated the ball possession, registering two tries through Finley Peter and Andrew, but fell short with a 22-14 margin. 

Traveling to Port Moresby for the first time to play in a new environment, Kandes' coach, Stanley Tepend, said they had a lot of respect for Muruks, encouraging the players to stick to their game plan.

“We have a lot of respect for Mendi Muruks and the coach Roderick Puname. There’s a reason why they are on top of the ladder. We had to work hard during our preparation to meet the Muruks, so I’m happy for the boys,” he said.

“The occasion and the venue did not put the boys under pressure. Some of them haven’t been to Port Moresby, so I’m really glad that they started strong and ended the match with a win.” 

He added: “We have a young side. We will take one game at a time. I don’t want to put pressure on the boys and look ahead of ourselves.” 

Coach Tepend mentioned that he would assess the game against the Muruks and work on the team’s weak areas before hosting the Kroton Hela Wigmen in Round 10 on Sunday, June 14th, at Madang’s Ron Albert Oval.