Kandes taste first DEM Cup victory

The Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup (DEM CUP) newcomers, the Kandes Rugby League Club, have opened their 2026 campaign to a flying start after defeating the ENB Agmark Gurias with a 26-16 win in the season opener on Sunday, April 12th, at Lae’s Rugby League Oval. 

A high-scoring first half saw the two sides display sleek, free-flowing football. The Kandes registered 3 tries while the Gurias scored 2 tries, with the new kids on the block establishing a 20-10 lead at the break.

The second half was very physical, with both sides conceding a try each, where the new franchise edged out the East New Britain men to start their new journey in the semi-professional competition on a high note.

Coach Stanley Tepend was pleased with the result, but admitted that there’s still room for improvement, noting that it’s too early to measure the team's success or failure, with 17 more regular rounds to play.

Riding on the back of winning the opening round, the Kandes now shift their focus to round 2, where they will host the Gas Resource Central Dabaris on Sunday, April 19th, at Ron Albert Oval in Madang.  

A rookie team competing against well-established franchises in the DEM Cup will be challenging. However, the Kandes are optimistic about tasting immediate success under Tepend’s watch, who is one of PNG’s most experienced coaches.  

Kandes is a club from Morobe but will be based in Madang. The club has expressed interest a few times in joining the domestic top-flight competition, but its bid has been unsuccessful. However, at the end of last year, they finally got the nod to participate in the 2026 DEM Cup season.