The Digicel Cup 2013-PNG National Competition

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Papua New Guinea's National Competition The Digicel Cup kicks of this weekend.

With 20 teams taking part it will for 20 rounds.

The 10 teams taking part this year are:

1. Rabaul Gurias (2012 Premiers) from Rabaul, East New Britain Province
2. Mendi Muruks-(2012 Runners up) From Mendi, Souther Highlands Province
3. Goroka Lahanis-From Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province
4. Mt Hagen Eagles- From Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province
5. Chimbu TNA Lions- From Kundiyawa, Chimbu Province
6. Enga Mioks - From Wabag, Enga Province
7. Hela Wigmen - From Tari, Hela Province
8. Port Moresby Vipers- From Port Moresby, NCD
9. Guf Isapea -From Kerema, Gulf Province
10. Lae Snax Tigers- Lae Morobe Province

 

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http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20130412/sport01.htm

It’s on again !

By EPHATA SAMUEL

“Digicel has kept rugby league going for players and supporters to enjoy over the past three years,” Sports and Pacific Games Minister Justin Tkatchenko said last night.
The Minister said this when launching the 2013 Digicel Cup rugby league competition in Port Moresby.
“Rugby league is part of our lives in PNG and Digicel have played an important part in keeping the game going for our players and families to support.
PNG National Rugby League chairman Sudir Guru said 10 teams will be participating this year.
“This is the 3rd year of sponsorship and with Digicel, the game is getting bigger and better and we thank them for bringing the greatest game of all to the provinces,” he said.
Digicel managing director John Mangos said his company looked at attributes where the sport brought enjoyment to families.
“Players and referees provide the entertainment on the field and we are happy to see that crowds respond to the game positively and enjoy what they see,” he said.
Mangos also thanked sponsors of teams and other support sponsors of the Digicel Cup saying: “With all this support, we can take the game to another level.”
Former Broncos and Penrith, Queensland and Australian forward Petro Civoniceva was among the many guests that witnessed the launch.
The first round of the 2013 Digicel Cup kicks off on Sunday.

 

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http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20130412/sport04.htm

Digicel Cup kicks off with Gurias, Muruks game

RUGBY LEAGUE

By KEVIN TEME

DEFENDING premiers Agmark Rabaul Gurias named a strong side to take on a new look Petroleum Resource Kutubu Mendi Muruks in the opening game of the Digicel Cup this Sunday at the Kalabond Oval in Kokopo.
Gurias aim to defend their title this season and have prepared amply. This being obvious when they created history in rugby league by being the only club to beat Queensland Intrust Cup heavy weights, the Northern Pride early this year in a game of PNG pride.
But all that has gone and Gurias head coach Michael Marum is working his troops harder than ever. “The trip is over and now we are back to our competition, the Digicel Cup. The competition here is different to that in Queensland and our aim is to defend the cup this season,” Marum said this when naming his team for this weekend’s game against the Muruks.
Marum has named a strong side dominated by last season winners with Albert Patak (Fullback), Chris Jerry, Emmanuel Toide (Wings), Francis Paniu, Jack Markus (Centers), Dion Aiye , Ase Boas (halves) , Joe Bruno, Obert Ondole (props), Wartovo Puara Jnr (hooker), Emmanuel John, Bradley Simon (second rowers) and Danny Patrick(lock). The reserves are William Aquila, Travis Waninara, Nelson Daplen and Kevin Frank.
Muruks have yet to formalize their team and have been quiet in the lead up to this game, all that can be said is that the Gurias will be a test for newly appointed coach Julian O’Neill and his new look team.
Meanwhile in the other games on this weekend, the Enga Provincial Government Mioks hosts TNA Simbu Lions at the Johnson Siki Oval while Kemele Construction Hela Wigmen who flew into the nation’s capital will meet Stop N Shop Port Moresby Vipers at the Lloyd Robson Oval and Prima Small Goods Gulf Isapeas will try to beat Bintangor Goroka Lahanis at the NSI oval in Goroka this Sunday.
Back in Lae, the Lae Snax Tigers host new kids on the block the Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles at the Lae rugby league oval to open round one of the Digicel Cup which was officially launched last night at the Gateway hotel in Port Moresby.

 

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http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/48188

Big league set
Source:
The National, Friday 12th April, 2013
By JOHN PANGKATANA
A CAULDRON of death awaits PRK Mendi Muruks when they open the 2013 Digicel Cup at the Kalabond Oval on Sunday.
In a replay of last year’s grand final, reigning champions Agmark Rabaul Gurias will play host to the pride of the Southern Highlands in Kokopo, East New Britain.
For the Muruks, and all visiting teams the Kalabond Oval has always been a graveyard.
The challenge to break that hoodoo has set the stage for a bumper opening clash.
Winning coach Michael Marum yesterday said their successful tour of North Queensland had shown a marked improvement in players attitude and approach.
“We’re always competitive at home and despite losing some of our bigger players (Rodney Pora, Kot Kerowa, Daniel Pai, Bobby Pau and Junior Pangogo) we’ll be pushing to maintain our good run at home,” he said.
Gurias star playmaker Dion Aiye will dictate play with newly-appointed skipper Ase Boas at halfback and their pacey backline that includes Kumul back Albert Patak, Emmanuel Toide, Chris Jerry, Jack Marcus and Francis Paniu.

The naming of former Lae Snax Tigers frontman Mark Mexico alongside new signings Danny Patrick from the Mioks and former Port Moresby Vipers centre Kevin Frank gives the Gurias an ominous look.
The Muruks under new coach Julian O’Neill have not had the best of preparation but they certainly will not be flying across the Bismark Sea for a holiday.
In the nation’s capital, the Stop N Shop Port Moresby Vipers are pushing to return some lost glory when they open up their campaign against the second coming of the Kemele Hela Wigmen at the Lloyd Robson Oval.
The PRK Gulf Isapea outfit, under new coach Nigel Hukula, will take on the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis in the Eastern Highlands capital. While the Lahanis should win at home, Hukula may have something up his sleeve against his former club.
The Chimbu franchise, TNA Lions will find the going tough against the Enga Mioks at the Johnson Siki Oval, in Wabag.
Should be interesting how former Lions players Esau Siune, Andrew Sipil and Sonny Daing front-up against their former teammates.
Lae’s Snax Tigers, under Stanley Tepend, have a test on their hands against a determined Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles with Jason Tali, Sent Angra and Laima Pora get their team up at the Lae Rugby League Oval on Sunday.
With this a World Cup year, the scramble for Kumul spots is likely to lift the playing standards and there could some surprises in store for the semi-professional competition.

 

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http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/48200

Gurias ahead of the game

Source:
The National, Friday 12th April, 2013
MICHAEL Marum may not freely admit it but Defending Digicel Cup premiers the Agmark Rabaul Gurias are a team on the rise.

Normaly a low-key individual with a humble but focused demeanor, the Gurias coach may already know what many in the PNG rugby league community are slowly realising that he is the best Digicel Cup coach – and has been for several seasons now.
Proof of his nous was none more so evident then when the former Kumul forward took his squad on two-match tour of North Queensland earlier in the year.
His side returned to a heros welcome in Kokopo after going unbeaten, with the highlight of the visit a 29-22 defeat of Queensland Intrust Super Cup side the Northern Pride.– One of the feeder clubs to NRL’s North Queensland Cowboys.
It is fair to assume that given the standard of football exhibited weekly no other Digicel Cup team could have equalled that winning ratio.
But that success was only a fraction of what Marum and his management not to mention staunch rugby league backer Agmark have accomplished over the past seasons.
It is fair to say East New Britian and by extension the New Guinea Islands rugby league are in a boom period, with the annual pre-season nines competition and the local regular season churning out Digicel Cup-quality players at an impressive rate. Kumul rake Wartovo Puara Jnr is a perfect example of this successful growth.
Credit must go to where it is deserved and the Gurias set up need to be congratulated for their development systems and committment to improving league from the ground up.
Marum could be at the forefront of the next league dynasty.

 

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Round 1 Results

Rabaul Gurias 36 def Mendi Muruks 12
Enga Mioks 40 def Simbu Lions 8
Port Moresby Vipers 28 def Hela Wigmen 18
Lae Tigers 18 def Mt Hagen Eagles 14
Goroka Lahanis 24 Gulf Isapea 16



Points Ladder


1. Mioks 2
2. Gurias 2
3. Vipers 2
4. Lahanis 2
5. Tigers 2
6. Eagles 0
7. Isapea 0
8. Wigmen 0
9. Muruks 0
10. Lions 0

 

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Match Report 1

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/48267

Mioks rampant at home
Source:
The National, Monday 15th April, 2013
By PHILIP KEPSON
THE Enga Mioks thrashed fellow Highlanders TNA Lions 40-8 at the Johnson Siki Oval yesterday in Wabag to record their first two points in the opening game of the Digicel Cup.
It was the commanding performance by dazzling centre Pasu Awani and bulldozing forward Esau Siune that inspired the Engan side to send a signal to other teams that they are a team to be reckoned this season.

Ten minutes after kick off in front of a crowd of more than 3,000 whose gate fees were met by Wabag MP Robert Ganim, Pasua scored on the far right.
It was the result of a skilful pass from Maino to take an early 4-0 lead.
The Eastern Highlander, who looked hungry for tries, came up with his second in the 15th minute after another 40-metre demoralising run from a well-timed pass from Siune.
Roger’s shoes failed to collect the extras but they looked confident with an 8-0 lead.
The Lions, with some thinking display of skills by their five-eighth Supa Takai and captain Radly Brawa, tried to get over their opponent’s try line but the Engans would not allow them.
They were further humiliated with two more tries to new recruit Bland Abavu and Laka to push the score line to 18-0 by the stroke of halftime.
The second half appeared all for the home team as they dominated play with four more tries through Roger, Abavu, Tiger Emere and Young Tamus, while the Lions scored an unconverted try in the dying minutes through Takai and kicked a penalty to end 40-8 at full time.

Mioks coach Timothy Lepa, who happy with the general performance of his team, said he would keep the same line-up to play the Mendi Muruks in Wabag next week.

Match Report 2

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/48268

Vipers shaken by Helas
Source:
The National, Monday 15th April, 2013
By JOHN PANGKATANA
STOP N Shop Port Moresby Vipers found the going tough but managed to hold out a rampaging Kemele Hela Wigmen in their Digicel Cup opener at the Lloyd Robson Oval yesterday.
The new-look Vipers were kept honest in their grinding 28-18 win.
The Vipers sporting a powerful look this season with a host of quality buys were given a huge wake-up call by a spirited ‘no-name’ Wigmen outfit. The Wigmen came within a whisker of causing a major upset when they had the Vipers to the wall at 22-18, but the Vipers managed to slip away with a late try to Kumul prospect Larson Marabe.
The Vipers ill-discipline, drop-balls and three certain tries to Charlie Wabo, Josiah Abavu and Richard Kambo gone begging in the first-half nearly came back to haunt them.
Coach Shane Morris said they faltered when they allowed the Wigmen to dictate terms but was pleased that his charges measured up well to hit back when it really mattered.
“We hung in there and did the little things right in defence and yes, a good start to set up a good platform for the season,” Morris added.
Morris said it was the first major hit-out for this newly stitched team, and was confident they would only get better.
The Wigmen returning back to the scene with a host of home-grown talent, minus experienced campaigners Joseph Omae showed a lot of promise with their spurring performance against a quality Vipers line-up.

 

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Match Report 3

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/48269

Tatsim stars in Lahanis win over Isapea
Source:
The National, Monday 15th April, 2013
By ZACHERY PER
YOUNG Bintangor Lahanis lock forward Bernard Tatsim Junior showed promise, scoring two tries in his team’s 24-16 Digicel Cup win over the Prima Goods Gulf Ispea in Goroka yesterday.
Tatsim Jnr was among other promising Lahanis youngsters who proved their worth before a parochial home crowd at the National Sport Institute ground.
Veteran George Abba showed he still has the fire as he crossed the line for another four-pointer for the hosts.
Abba is an ageless Lahanis in the mould of Nicko Ubile and captain, Glen Nami.
The game was scrappy as there was too many dropped balls.
New Isapea coach Nigel Hukula refused to comment, while his Lahanis opposite Peter Warlock said he was content with his players’ execution of his game plan but there was still room for improvement.
Warlock singled out Tatsim, who scored two tries and had a hand in two other tries, as his best player.
Halves Casey Frank and skipper Joseph Peter stood out as well.
The Lahanis forwards led by Kumul props Gonzella Urakusie and Wesley Mohokule, John Arme, rugged Supa Kokote and Tatsim were superb against the Isapea, who were tipped to improve from last year.
But captain Moore Evara, Andrew Luke, Dickson Wallen, Zachery Simbai, Barry Pakea and Mark Kerowa did not fire as expected.
Lahanis opened the scoring two minutes into the game when Tatsim powered through for his first try.
Centre Ishmael Awute raised the flags Stanley Korowa replied for the visitors but his centre partner Joe Pipi Koivi failed to covert.
Half way into the first round, Tatsim dummied, then ran 70m before scoring under the posts.

 

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Match Report 4

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20130415/sport01.htm

Gurias rocks Muruks

By EPHATA SAMUEL in Kokopo

NGIP Agmark Rabaul Guria put on a classy display to defeat a new-look and young PRK Mendi Muruks 36-12 in the Grand Final reply at the Kalabond oval in Kokopo yesterday.

Respected coach Michael Marum’s boys outclassed the Muruks 24-6 at the halftime break. After a pep talk at half time by coach Julian O’Neill, the Muruks came back with patches of brilliant play and restricted the Guria onslaught.
The first half saw the Guria’s run rings around the Muruks at will, with the first try scored by fullback Albert Patak after a good backline play at 15th minute mark.
Three minutes later the Gurias were penalised for being offside and five eighth Aaron Kila kicked the goal to put the Muruks on the scoreboard.
IN the ensuing kickoff, Gurias got the ball after a Muruks knock- on and the backline went into motion again to send Francis Paniu in the corner.
In the 27th minute, a brilliant piece of individual play by Muruks half back Dicksy Ana got them to within two points of Guria.
Fresh interchange forward Travis Waninara barged over under the posts five minutes later, and captain Ase Boas converted to extend the Guria lead to 14-6.
Another backline movement saw winger Chris Jerry dive over in the corner and three minutes later, just before half time, centre Francis Paniu score his second beside the uprights for Boas to convert.
When winger Emmanuel Toide scored in the first minute of resumption of the second half, it looked like the Muruks were in for a hiding.
Dicksy Ana who was one of Muruks best scored his second after another brilliant piece of attacking football which he converted in the 70th minute.
Ana, five eighth Kila, captain Wesley Benny and Richard Mopi were among the Muruks who tried hard while the Gurias all stood out and showed what a champion team they are.
His captain Wesley Benny, one of only three players from last year’s Muruk’s grand final team, shared the same sentiments but added: “It’s only the first game but we’ll get better.”
The Kalabond oval was filled to capacity and both teams displayed good rugby league and showed good sportsmanship at the end which all families and the small band of Muruk’s supporters enjoyed.

 

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News Footage from last Thursday nights Competition Launch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uApQ6D7EgkM

 

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Round 2

All games to be played on Sunday 21 April 2013.

1. Port Moresby Vipers Vs Rabaul Gurias. Venue: PRL Gorunds, Port Moresby
2. Lae Snax Tigers Vs TNA Simbu Lions. Venue: Lae League Grounds, Lae
3. Hela Wigmen Vs Goroka Lahanis. Venue: Joe Keviame Oval, Mendi
4. Enga Mioks Vs Mendi Muruks. Venue: Johnson Siki Oval, Wabag.
5. Mt Hagen Eagles Vs Gulf Isapea enue: Kagamuga Showground, Mt Hagen.

 

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http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/48600

Long wait over for Southern Highlands Fans

Source:
The National, Friday 19th April 2013
By JOHN PANGKATANA
TOP class action returns to Mendi this weekend while champions, the Agmark Rabaul Gurias meet Stop N Shop Port Moresby Vipers in the clash of round two in the Digicel Cup.

Rugby league starved fans in Southern High*lands will finally get a taste of the inter-city challenge after 15 years when the Kemele Hela Wigmen meet Bintangor Goroka Lahanis at the Late Joe Keviame Oval (Tente) on Sunday.

While in the nation’s capital, the new-look Vipers get their first real test against the flamboyant Gurias before what should be a full-house at the Lloyd Robson Oval.
Both venues are set to draw huge numbers but unlike Port Moresby, Mendi township is expected to be flooded with people as it has been a long time coming for the pro*vince
Mendi is getting more than they bargained for, as they have the benefit of two Digicel Cup teams playing their home games there.
You can only imagine the scenario when PRK Mendi Muruks play their first home game against Wamp Nga Eagles of Mount Hagen next weekend.
In Port Moresby, Vipers coach Shane Morris has a colossal task ahead to curtail the brisk pace of the Gurias natural game.
The ill-discipline against the Wigmen last week will certainly be punished by a hungry Gurias pack that will make them pay if they dominate ball possession.
The match-up between Vipers Larson Marabe, Sebastian Pandia, Enoch Maki, Samuel Koim and Bobby Mori against Gurias new signing Mark Mexico, Joe Bruno, Nelson Daplen, Obert Hondole and Danny Patrick is a recipe for a bumper clash.
In the other strong hit-out at the Johnson Siki Oval in Wabag, Enga, the visiting Muruks will have to get their act together fast or they will be at the mercy of an inform Enga Mioks who will punish them.
In Mt Hagen, PRK/Prima Gulf Isapea have another hard slog in the highlands when they go up against the Eagles.
Isapea coach Nigel Hukula needs his forwards in Moore Evara, Andrew Luke, Dickson Wallen, Zachery Simbai and Barry Pakea to add a bit more grunt in their game to make their presence felt.
While in Lae, local franchise Snax Tigers look to be turning things around this season under coach Stanley Tepend and should notch up their second win over the visiting TNASimbu Lions who are expected to struggle.

 

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Round 2 Results


Port Moresby Vipers 6 Rabaul Gurias 18

Lae Tigers 50 Simbu Lions 12

Enga Mioks 26 Mendi Muruks 4

Mt Hagen Eagles 32 Gulf Isapea 4

Hela Wigmen 10 Goroka Lahanis 12



So after 2 rounds, 4 teams remain undefeated, 2 teams have 1 win each and 4 teams are yet to win a game.

 

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Points Ladder after round 2

1. Enga Mioks 4
2. Lae Tigers 4
3. Rabaul Gurias 4
4. Goroka Lahanis 4
5. Mt Hagen Eagles 2
6. Port Moresby Vipers 2
7. Hela Wigmen 0
8. Gulf Isapea 0
9. Mendi Muruks 0
10. TNA Lions 0

 

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Highlights of the main game from Round Two (2)

Port Moresby Vipers vs Rabaul Gurias


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Mz6d1-3T980

 

[Tone83]

Whats wrong with the muruks? My wife is from the southern highlands and everyone in her family looks like a darker skinned fui fui moi moi, men and women alike, legs like tree trunks. They should be good.

 

[mikail-eagle]

The Mendi Muruks have this year lost alot of senior and experienced players to the new Hela Wigmen Franchise and a couple to the Port Moresby Vipers.

They finished runners up last year but I think they will be battling to avoid the wooden spoon this season.

 

[Tone83]

Are the players largely from the areas they play for? Would love to watch these games every week on tv, reckon they'd be more interesting than most nrl matchups you see each week (any combination of dragons, eagles, sharks, tigers, knights, eels ... ugh snooze fest).

 

[mikail-eagle]

About 70% percent of players for the Franchise Teams are local juniors and play for the teams that represent their Province.
Only the Port Moresby Vipers and the Lae Tigers would have broader mix as they are cities which cater for people from all parts of PNG.

But there is now also alot of movement with players (especially representative players) being lured by other teams for more money or Jobs etc...

The Mendi Muruks from the Southern Highlands Province had a very big player pool but in 2011 the Province was split in half with the creation of the new Hela Province. The Hela Province now have their own team (HELA Wigmen) so the players also split.

 

[Heritage XIII]

Have crowds been good?

I also like the fact most teams nicknames are indigenous to the region/PNG. Glad they all didn't go for names like Tigers, Dragons, Broncos, Panthers etc