Eagles soar over Isou to lock top-6

The Wamp Nga Mount Hagen Eagles secured the top-6 spot after destroying the PRK Gulf Isou with a comprehensive 48-6 victory in Round 18 of the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup on Sunday, 16 August 2026, at Santos National Football Stadium.

Sharing 19 points each with the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis and desperate to finish in the top 6, the Western Highlanders flexed their muscles and blew the hapless Isou off the park, securing their place in the playoffs.

The Eagles put the pedal to the metal in the first half, scoring five unanswered tries through Desmond Michael, Sakias Komati, Nathaniel Appa, Sadrick Kuli, and Sadrick Kenneth. Komati converted all five goals, with the visitors leading a comfortable 30-0 at halftime.

Playing with momentum, the Eagles continued their attacking raid in the second half, with Sadrick Kuli bagging his second try and extending the Wamp Nga-sponsored club’s lead. Komati failed the conversion, leaving the score at 34-0.

With a little bit of ball possession, the Gulf men finally registered their first try through Jack Peter. The celebration was short-lived as the Eagles responded with three tries through Sakias Komati, Junior James, and Sadrick Pora, shutting down Isou with a resounding 48-6 win. 

Mt Hagen Eagles’ coach Henry Wan said he was pleased with the commanding victory, considering that the Eagles are fighting with the Lahanis to lock the top-6 spot to qualify for the playoffs. 

“Our preparation throughout the week has been good, and the boys performed to our expectations, so credit goes back to the players,” coach Wan said.

“We knew that we shared the points with the Lahanis (19 points apiece), so our preparation and discipline have paid off today.  The boys delivered upon our expectations.”

Though the Eagles had a minor incident with the Tigers in Lae the previous weekend (Round 17), coach Wan said the situation did not affect the team’s preparation and focus. 

“No, never. Despite the PNG NRLC’s decision on the incident against the Tigers, we look forward to finishing the season strongly, and that was our main aim. The decision is up to them, but our job is to focus on the game. That’s what we did, so I’m happy,” he said.

Locking the 6th spot on the ladder at the conclusion of the regular season, Wan said they would review their performance against Isou and prepare for the finals. 

“We will go back and review the game that we played against Isou. Even though we won by a big margin, there are some areas we need to work on,” he admitted. 

“Finals are a different style of football, and I know that the other teams have experience and quality players, so we will go back and review all our games, work on the areas that need fixing, and prepare for the finals.”

Coach Wan praised chief playmaker Sakias Komati for starring in the team’s comprehensive win, stating that the side will be banking on his experience in the finals, including the support from experienced campaigners Jordan Pat, Benji Kot, and others. 

Peaking at the business end of the season, the Eagles are looking forward to meeting the resurgent Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers in the Elimination Final on Sunday, August 23rd, at Santos National Football Stadium.