Muruks set for Lahanis

IT wasn’t the ideal start for the 2023 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup runners-up Goroka Lahanis in round 1 but they are looking to bounce back when they face the Mendi Muruks in Lae on Sunday.
The round 2 clash at the Lae Rugby League Ground will also see the Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK)-sponsored Muruks the home side and looking to continue their positive start to the season.
Muruks have a habit of strong starts and will want to keep the momentum going with a win over the Eastern Highlands side.
Records show that Muruks can dominate the first half of a season but have an issue of running out of steam when the finals roll around.
The Southern Highlands franchise are favourites to log another win in 2024.
Muruks have a new spine which will see MacQuine Gabriel and Mark Tony partner in the halves while Jerry Joe takes control of the ruck.
Experienced Ismael Balkawa and Ismael Waine will lead the Muruks pack. A notable inclusion in the Muruks side will be the fullback Douglas Tandaku, who is a former Lahani.
Tandaku made his intercity debut with Lahanis last season but he was on the outer as the Bintangor-sponsored side stuck with Douzen Hoyato.
Tandaku will aim to prove his worth against his former club which makes it an interesting contest coming up.
In other matches, the Central Dabaris will face Rabaul Gurias in the curtain raiser of the Hostplus Cup round 7 match between PNG Hunters and Redcliffe Dolphins tomorrow. Lae Tigers will look to bounce back from last week’s loss against Kimbe Cutters; the Tigers will face Gulf Isou who also lost in round 1.
In the Sunday’s Port Moresby double header at National Football Stadium, Hela Wigmen face the Kimbe Cutters (1pm kick-off) followed by the Vipers-Tumbe clash at 3pm.
At Jonah Ambane Oval in Minj, the Mt Hagen Eagles will host Enga Mioks tomorrow with the Mioks with the defending premiers eager to get a win this weekend.