Tigers roar to Big Dance

The Lae Snax Tigers are marching to the decider following a nail-biting 24-16 win against the PRK Mendi Muruks in the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup Grand Final Qualifier on Sunday, August 31st, 2025, at Santos National Football Stadium. 

Coming fresh from a bye, the Lae-based teams were on high energy to fight for a grand final spot. Claiming the minor premiership put the Muruks in a prime position to advance to the grand final, but the Tigers spoiled the party to earn their place in the big dance. 

While the Tigers qualified for the grand final, the Muruks have a chance to meet the Agmark ENB Gurias in the preliminary blockbuster this Sunday (7th September), with the winner to face the Snax Biscuit-backed club in the decider the following weekend (September 14th). 

Leaving the comfort of Lae city and playing in enemy territory, the two outside teams displayed grit and determination, entertaining the crowd with free-flowing rugby league. The all-Lae affair was brutal, bloody and physical, giving the fans what they expected.

The Muruks converted a 2-point penalty goal under 5 minutes of play, and the Tigers scored the first 4-pointer in the 22nd minute to lead 4-2. The Muruks responded with a try in the 29th minute, and the Tigers added a penalty goal, leveling the half-time score at 6-6.

In the second half, the try-scoring floodgates opened up. The Muruks increased their lead to 10-6 with 2 penalty conversions in the 50th and 55th minutes. Two minutes later, the Tigers hit back with a try, taking a 12-10 lead.

The Noel Zeming-coached outfit continued their try-scoring form in the 61st minute, extending the lead to 18-10. The PRK-sponsored Muruks answered back in the 67th minute, reducing the deficit to 2 points (18-16). 

In the dying 2 minutes of the high-intensity grand final qualifier, the Tigers bagged a match-winning try to shut down the fast-finishing Muruks from making a comeback, with the ‘Kings of the jungle’ securing a hard-fought 24-16 win.

The red-hot Tigers won the Digicel Cup in 2021 and are optimistic about reclaiming the coveted title this season, though it will be challenging and daunting, while the Muruks remain confident of defeating the in-form Gurias to meet the Tigers again in the decider.  

PC: Digicel