Kandes surge to the top after beating Isou

The Kandes Rugby League Club reached the summit of the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup after edging out the PRK Gulf Isou with an 18-8 win in Round 16 on Sunday, 2 August 2026, at Sir John Guise Stadium.

Kandes, who sit second on the ladder, rise to the top of the table after holding off the determined Isou outfit in a gripping contest. 

Isou caught the visiting Kandes flat-footed, scoring two unconverted tries. The Madang-based club responded with a converted try, trailing Isou by 2 points (8-6) at halftime.

The Kandes took charge of the contest in the second half, registering three tries and keeping Isou scoreless to close out the game with a hard-fought 18-8 victory.

The red-hot Kandes were expected to blow the cellar-dwellers off the park, but the Gulf men fought valiantly and lost by a respectable margin. 

With two more rounds remaining before the regular season ends, the newcomers leapfrogged the PRK Mendi Muruks to top the standings with 24 points.

The Stanley Tepend-coached side sits in a prime position to claim the minor premiership title, and potentially secure the coveted trophy in its debut season. 

Kandes RLC will travel to Enga to face the NPL Enga Mioks in Round 17 of the DEM Cup on Sunday, August 9th, at Aipus Oval.