Muruks fly to the top

The PRK Mendi Muruks have reached the summit of the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup ladder after the competition’s round 13 conclusion. 

The Southern Highlanders started their 2026 campaign on a disappointing note, but bounced back in the winner’s circle in round 2, recording four straight wins.

However, the Kroton Hela Wigmen stopped the Muruks’ winning momentum in round 6, but the Naikos regrouped, registering consecutive wins in rounds 7 and 8. 

The newcomers, Kandes RLC, upset the Muruks in round 9, and the Agmark ENB Gurias defeated them again in round 10. 

Roderick Puname’s men did a soul-searching after those two losses and went firing in round 11, claiming three consecutive victories and securing the top spot.

After round 13, the Muruks have recorded 9 wins and 4 losses, topping the competition with 18 points. The Kandes are also on 18 points, but the Muruks have the upper hand due to percentage. 

The Petroleum Resources Kutubu-sponsored franchise has been impressive this year, maintaining its spot in the top 4 the entire season. 

Interestingly, the Muruks have been consistent over the last decade, showing premiership threat every year but failing to secure the coveted title in the finals. 

Their last premiership success was in 2008. They pulled off a three-peat in 2006, 2007, and 2008, setting the benchmark in the country’s domestic competition. Since then, the club has struggled to lift another trophy. 

The Southern Highlands club has shown promising signs this season, sitting on the cusp of ending its 18-year premiership drought in PNG’s semi-professional competition. 

Riding on the back of three straight wins, the ladder-leading Muruks aim to maintain the pole position when they travel to Jiwaka to face the Asila Waghi Tumbe in round 14 on Saturday, July 18th, at Jonah Ambane Oval in Minj.