Muruks snatch DEM Cup Minor Premiership

The PRK Mendi Muruks were crowned the 2025 Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup Minor Premiers following their hard-fought 10-4 triumph over the Lae Snax Tigers in round 17 on Saturday, August 9th, 2025, at Lae Rugby League Oval. 

The Muruks had a strong DEM Cup season in 2025, leading the competition for almost two months. After round 17, they tasted one loss, recorded a draw, and won 14 games, topping the standings with 29 points and claiming the minor premiership title over the weekend.

The PRK-sponsored franchise would start their campaign strong in the last couple of seasons, but failed to reach the grand final, shying away in the quarter finals and semi-finals. However, they have gone one step further this year to claim the minor premiership and are now aiming for the bigger title. 

As expected, the two Lae-based teams delivered a competitive and enthralling contest in the 40-minute proceedings of the first half, with the Muruks taking a slight 2-point lead (6-4) over the Tigers at the interval. 

The slugfest affair for the local derby continued in the second spell as the two sides fought tooth and nail to exert their dominance, but the eventual minor premiers (Muruks) managed to score a winning try to ice the game.  

The Southern Highlands franchise had defeated all the teams in the 2025 DEM Cup season, except a solo loss to the reigning premiers, the Wamp Nga Mount Hagen Eagles, and a draw with the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis. This could be the year of the black and whites, who are desperate to end their 17-year premiership hoodoo.

Coach Roderick Puname praised his players for their resolve in stopping the Tigers from clawing their way back to stun the competition leaders, emphasizing the team’s confidence and consistency throughout the season. 

“It was good getting the win here against the Tigers. The match was tough and the Tigers are a very good side. They are second on the ladder, so we take nothing for granted against them,” Puname said. 

“Last weekend’s game against the Gurias also gave us the opportunity to see where we really stand. It is just about where we should be heading, which gives us confidence that we are on the right path. 

“However, there are still a couple of areas that we need to work on. It gives confidence to the boys to build on from here. The Tigers made use of their opportunities, but we were lucky to get the win. I’m happy the team performed consistently throughout the regular season. ”

The minor premiers ( PRK Mendi Muruks) are anticipating finishing the final round of the regular season on a positive note this weekend and look forward to starting the first week of the finals on a clean slate.