Winis: We can go one better than last season

By PARKER TAMBUA
HALFBACK Milex Winis says he is thrilled to be part of Mendi Muruks as the Western Highlander aims to help the Roderick Puname-coached team win the Digicel Cup title this season.
The 23-year-old joined the Southern Highlands franchise last year after stints with Mt Hagen Eagles (2019) and Simbu Warriors (2018), where he made is Digicel Cup debut.
Winis told The National on Friday that the Petroleum Resources Kutubu-sponsored Muruks were once a glamour team in Papua New Guinea’s premier rugby league competition.
However, he said the team had been relatively quiet for seven years following their last grand final appearance in 2012 where they lost to Rabaul Gurias.
Last year, under the then coach, Jack Kereme, the Muruks reached the playoffs and bowed in the semi-finals. But Winis said he was confident that they had the roster to go one better this season.
The Muruks were unbeaten in 2021 until they lost to Goroka Lahanis in round five at the Oil Search Football Stadium in Port Moresby last week.
“The Muruks have a great history,” Winis said.
“They are a champion side and our former players must be commended for a solid record in the inter-city competition.
“Last year, we finished in the playoffs. But this season, with Puname retaining the same group of players and his coaching style, I think we can finish better than last year.
“I don’t want us to get ahead of ourselves as it’s only premature for me to say that. But I believe in this team.
“Hopefully this year is ours, we just have to keep working hard week in, week out.”
The Tambul native played for Newtown Jets in the Mt Hagen Rugby League competition before he made is semi-professional debut in 2018.
Winis said one of his goals was to make the SP Hunters squad one day.
“Many PNG players share the same goal,” he said.
“So it’s no secret that I want to earn selection into the Hunters programme.
“It has always been my dream to play in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup.

Western Highlander Milex Winis has been with Mendi Muruks for the past two Digicel Cup season.

“I just have to earn it by playing consistent rugby league in the Digicel Cup and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Puname has retained Winis and Wesley Batari in the halves this season, having combined to help the Muruks to a top-four finish last year.
It is understood that Winis will be sidelined until round seven following an ankle injury in round four against Kimbe Cutters at the Lae Rugby League Ground last month.