Wigmen back in winner’s circle

The Kroton Hela Wigmen smashed the PRK Gulf Isou with a 30-4 win in Round 15 of the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup on Sunday, 26 July 2026, at Santos National Football Stadium.  

Following a narrow 14-10 loss to the NPL Enga Mioks at Aipus Oval in Enga’s capital last weekend, the Wigmen rebounded with a statement victory over the Gulf Isou in round 15. 

Wigmen’s back-rower Reuben Yawas opened the scoring in the 9th minute, and Isou’s back-rower Koviro Jagger responded in the 15th minute, trailing the Wigmen by 2 points (6-4). 

After the try by Isou, the Wigmen dominated the contest, registering back-to-back tries through five-eight Lote Kuman and centre McWin Worinu, leaving the halftime score at 16-4.

The Hela men tightened their defence in the second stanza, scoring three tries through Andy Tano, Starford John, and Tano bagged his second try to ice the match with a 30-4 scoreline.

Wigmen coach Andrew Andiki said every match is crucial given the tight ladder situation, explaining that they needed to be consistent every round.

“When you look at the ladder, we can not lose any game from now onwards,” coach Andiki stressed.

“After losing to the Mioks, we discussed the loss and came here to win this game. It was a good win with the last three games remaining.”

The coach added that after the departure of Samuel Alua and Kobu Piju for overseas placement, the team is trying to find its combination with new players joining the ranks. 

“Finding the right combination is not easy, especially when the competition is heading towards the end of its regular season,” Andiki said.

The Wigmen have been inconsistent this season, but they love thriving under pressure, with coach Andiki having confidence in his senior players to provide leadership.

“We have experienced players in the team, including Solomon Pokare, Xavier Turi, Woods Kawage, Gilmore Paul, and Manu Kame,” he said.

“They are the leaders of the team, and they showed example by leading the boys upfront and playing their role effectively.”

Coach Andiki explained that he only managed 10 percent of the game’s outcome, with 90 percent of the responsibility falling on the players to deliver results. 

The Kroton-backed side knows how to play finals footy, with the coach saying that if the Wigmen reach the playoffs, that will be a different story.

The Kroton Hela Wigmen will travel to Morobe's capital to face the Asila Waghi Tumbe in Round 16 of the DEM Cup on Sunday, August 2nd, at Lae League Oval.