Mioks face Muruks

FINALS-BOUND Mendi Muruks will look to dent the Enga Mioks’ Digicel Cup playoff hopes when both sides meet at the Lae Rugby League Ground on Sunday (3pm kick-off).
With a couple of rounds left in the regular season, the fifth-placed Muruks are assured of a spot in the top-six finals while the Mioks need two wins to stand any chance of making the playoffs.
Roger Laka’s men have one point fewer than the sixth-placed Kimbe Cutters who host the Port Moresby Vipers at Humphreys Oval tomorrow.
Next weekend, the Mioks play 2018 champions Goroka Lahanis while the Cutters face the Muruks in a round that could decide the Enga-based side’s fate.
The Mioks are coming off a loss to former cellar dwellers Mt Hagen Eagles but with inclusion of co-coach Andrew Andiki, they will fancy their chances against Papua New Guinea Kumul Stanton Albert’s Muruks.
The Muruks, who are coming off a 12-22 loss to the ladder-leading Tigers, will want to rebound in a convincing fashion as they look to make a statement heading into the finals.
The Muruks scored three unconverted tries to the Tigers’ four.
Fullback Dickson Pipi, Joe Honk, Junior Rau, Bob Tenza and Leon Undipia will look to ask questions of the Mioks defence.
But the Mioks will be counting on veteran playmaker Laka to provide leadership across the park as they look to contain the Muruks.
Meanwhile, the second-placed Rabaul Gurias will host the Central Dabaris at Kalabond Oval in Kokopo tomorrow (2pm).