Muruks ready to battle

MENDI Muruks have more to lose than just the match when they meet Central Dabaris in the fifth round double-header of the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup on Sunday (1pm kick-off).
Their proud record will be on the line as they try to maintain their unbeaten run and lead in the competition.
The second match at the Port Moresby National Football Stadium will see the Rabaul Gurias take on Hela Wigmen (3pm kick-off).
Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK) sponsored Muruks started their campaign strongly following the arrival of re-appointed coach Andrew Andiki, who has been vocal about discipline in his team this season.
Indeed, discipline has paid off with four straight wins. Dabaris are also finding their rhythm this season and for the record, they have lost only one game, with one win and two draws so far.
In a round 4 match last week, Dabaris went into hostile territory, almost causing an upset over hosts Mt Hagen Eagles at Minj’s Jonah Ambane Oval.
The match ended in a draw but with a lot drama involving Eagles players and match officials. And now with the inclusion of PNG Prime Minister’s 13 fullback Morea Morea, who’s been drafted into their backline, Dabaris will be the team to beat as far as the Muruks are concerned.
Muruks’ pack is led by the experienced Ismael Waine and Ismael Balkawa and Dabaris have to match that physique and power in the middle to be competitive.
The lethal combination of Muruks halves in Mark Tony and Macquin Gabriel make them a complete team who are also a threat to the premiership despite it being still early days in the season.
Dabaris have some class in their backline, with former Hunters’ Justin Yoka combining with Lote Kuman in the halves while the two centres in Joe Frank and Lega Batia, are among a few of the hard-running centres in the competition.
Meanwhile, Wigmen and Gurias are running 4th and 5th respectively in the 12-team competition ladder.
Both sides share the same number of competition points and will be fighting to improve their standings on the table in another crucial clash this weekend.