The Major Semi Final blockbuster of the 2023 Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup between the undefeated Enga Provincial Government Mioks and the formidable Lae Snax Tigers promises to entertain the mad rugby league fans and light up the Santos National Football Stadium this weekend. Let us delve into breaking down their overall performances so far this season.
Mioks have registered 15 wins and ended up with a draw, while Tigers have won 13 games and tasted 3 losses. Mioks have maintained their position, sitting comfortably first on the ladder all throughout the season, while Tigers have moved up and down in the top 4 and finished the season in the second spot.
Of all the teams participating in the 2023 Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup campaign, no one has predicted or expected the Enga Mioks to sit on top of the ladder, let alone stay undefeated. Mioks were sort of an underdogs who defied all odds stacked against them and took the semi-professional competition by storm. They are a surprise package.
On the flip side, Tigers were obviously the favorites to dominate the competition, given their wealth of experience and premiership triumphs over the years. For a benchmark team like Tigers, even before the season kicks off, everyone already knew where they would end up in the competition.
Alas, lo and behold, the resurgent Engan lads have stunned the Lae-sponsored franchise not once
but twice this season. For a juggernaut side like the Tigers to get beaten twice in a season by the
same team is unheard of. Mioks did an unconventional thing and dismantled the Tigers’ den twice.
Coming off from a week’s rest, both teams are fresh, energized and rejuvenated to go up against
each other. The players are fully charged and prepared for the battle. Mioks boast a youthful side,
while Tigers have experienced players in their playing ranks. It will be a battle of youthful
exuberance and seasoned campaigners.
Veteran Supa Kokote will lead the inexperienced Mioks pack upfront, barking orders and setting up the platform for his playmakers to execute the game plan with precision. Kokote is the
x-factor. The young Mioks side will be banking on Kokote’s vast experience to make their presence felt.
Well, Tigers are Tigers. They have a couple of experienced players in the likes of Charlie Simon, Warren Glare, and Mark Tony, to name a few. They will use their wealth of experience to maneuver and showcase their premiership credentials. Tigers may have struggled a bit this season, but they are still a force to be reckoned with.
Tigers have a score to settle against Mioks, who humiliated them twice this season. The Morobean lads are desperate to take revenge, while the invincible Mioks outfit are looking forward to maintaining their winning streak against Tigers. Both sides are desperate to prove a point.
Regular season games are totally different than finals football. The atmospheric pressure of finals is always intensifying and electrifying like none other, as is the tradition. Every run, touch, pass, and hit will be intentional. Players, coaches, team management, sponsors, commentators and fans are looking forward to the upcoming clash.
Mioks bowed out in the semi-final last season. They regrouped in the off-season and came back firing on all cylinders, and stamped their authority this season. Now armed with experience, they are on a mission to redeem themselves and stake their claim for premiership glory. It will be an uphill battle and a daunting task at hand, but the red-hot Engan-sponsored franchise are determined to get the job done this time.
Conversely, Tigers have had a good season, finishing second on the ladder. Though they have lost a couple of games, they were solid generally. The Morobean lads have dominated the finals over the years and are upbeat to make their presence felt once again. They are a champion side who can never be written off too early. Write Tigers off at your own peril.
As the clock ticks down to the battle day, hearts are pulsating and pressure is mounting on the players. Mioks are desperate to advance to the big dance but make no mistake, Tigers will not be
intimidated and give in easily. The match will be a close encounter. In fact, it will go down to the
wire. A nail-biting finish is anticipated.
This will be the battle of the gladiators. It is predicted to be a battle for the ages. This blockbuster
promises to bring chills down the spines of the fans and get them off their seats to root for their
respective teams. A true PNG rugby league spectacle will be on full display.
Will the Mioks continue soaring to maintain their winning streak against the Tigers, or will the Kings of the jungle claw their way back to seek redemption? Well, I do not have a definite answer to that question so we will find out on the weekend.
Prepare your popcorn and be ready to get entertained by the two premiership heavyweights of the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup at the Santos National Football Stadium this Sunday. The showdown
between these two juggernauts should be a reaper or cracker to watch.
Photo Credit: Enga Mioks
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