Muruks Top DEM Cup Standings

The PRK Mendi Muruks have been a surprise package in the 2025 Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup, registering seven wins, one draw, and topping the pole position with 15 points after 8 rounds of the semi-professional competition. 

Following the Muruks’ 14-8 gutsy win over the resurgent Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers on Saturday, May 31st, at Santos National Football Stadium, the PRK-backed Muruks extended their winning streak and sent a warning to the competition. 

In their first outing in the nation’s capital, the black and whites (Muruks) came on a mission and got the job done, edging the hosts (Vipers) with a hard-fought win that went down to the wire, leaving the fans on the edge of their seats.  

The Muruks opened their account straight after kickoff, with four minutes into the play. A few minutes later, the Vipers hit back with a 4-pointer and the Muruks responded with a converted try, leaving the half-time score at 12-4. 

The points were hard to come by in the second half due to ill-discipline and ball-handling errors from both sides. The Vipers scored in the 26th minute to give themselves a fighting chance, but a late penalty to the Muruks saw the visitors ice the game with a 14-8 win. 

Despite the scrappy performance and losing a key playmaker through a minor injury, coach Roderick Puname was happy with the win. 

“It was tough but I think some of the options that we took in the first half did not go the way we planned and then losing Mark Tony (injured player), we had to reshuffle the team,” Puname said. 

“It disrupted the way we wanted to play, but no excuses. It did not go the way we planned, but we were lucky to get the two points, so we will take it.”

In addition, the Southern Highlands Provincial Government presented a K500,000 cheque to the Mendi Muruks last Friday night at Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby. The sponsorship boosted the players, who are hoping to play consistently and reach the grand final.

The PRK Mendi Muruks will travel to Jiwaka to face the Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles in round 9 of the DEM Cup on Saturday, June 7th, at Jonah Ambane Oval in Minj.