Hardened Vipers to mount attack on Kandes
THE Port Moresby Vipers are in for one of the toughest encounters in their quest for the 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup when they face newcomers Kandes Rugby League Club at the Ron Albert Oval tomorrow.
Kandes are the current competition leaders, and hosting the Moni Plus-backed outfit on home turf is already victory in itself.
Vipers will enter tomorrow’s game under pressure, having suffered a disappointing loss to the Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles last weekend in Minj, Jiwaka. That defeat pushed Port Moresby down to third place and, tomorrow, they come face to face with the pace-setters.
The hosts had a field day last week, adding the scalps of Kroton Hela Wigmen to their list of victims. Against the city lads, the boys from beautiful Madang will embrace the challenge full of confidence.
Meanwhile, fresh from their impressive win over the Vipers, the Eagles return home to face New Porgera Limited Enga Mioks at the Jonah Ambane Oval in Minj, Jiwaka.
Both teams come eager to continue their winning streak, with the Mioks all too confident after edging out PRK Gulf Isou 32-30 in a thrilling contest in Wabag last week.
Over in Rabaul, the East New Britain Agmark Gurias will host Asila Waghi Tumbe at the Queen Elizabeth Park.
With the support of their homeland, the Gurias are likely to continue their top-notch performance as one of the DEM Cup competition favourites. Last week, the Gurias slaughtered PRK Mendi Muruks 28-12.
Comfortably perched second on the competition ladder, the Gurias are expected to continue their strong run. However, the Tumbes will arrive in East New Britain all fired up to shake their opponents and send them into the Blue Lagoon.
Sunday’s action shifts to Port Moresby where Gas Resource Central Dabaris take on the Hela Wigmen at Santos National Football Stadium.
Both sides enter the contest after losses last week. Dabaris went down 24-16 to Goroka Lahanis while Wigmen suffered a heavy defeat against Kandes in Madang. With Dabaris sitting eighth and Wigmen holding fifth place, both teams know this match could shape their finals hopes.
Lae will also host an exciting double-header at the Lae Rugby League Ground.
The opening match will feature Mendi Muruks against Goroka Lahanis at 1pm before hosts Lae Tigers meet Gulf Isou at 3pm.
Muruks remain inside the top four but will be determined to bounce back after last week’s defeat. Lahanis, currently sitting sixth, know an away victory could strengthen their place inside the finals zone.
The second match could be equally important. The reigning 2025 premiers, Lae Snax Tigers, have struggled to find consistency this season but returning home may provide the spark they need as the finals race intensifies. Gulf Isou, sitting near the bottom of the table, will also be desperate to turn their season around.
