Brawl in Lae: PNG NRLC slaps heavy penalties on Muruks, Lahanis

The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition has issued sweeping penalties following a violent brawl during the Round 13 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup match between PRK Mendi Muruks and Bintangor Goroka Lahanis.

The incident, which unfolded 20 minutes into the second half of the match in Lae, saw nine players and three club officials charged after a scuffle erupted into an all-in brawl on the field.

The PNG NRLC Match Review Committee handed down suspensions totalling 53 weeks to the nine players involved. Additionally, three officials from both clubs have been suspended for periods ranging from 12 to 18 months for breaching the league’s Code of Conduct.

Each club has also been fined K25,000, with seven days to respond to the breaches.

According to the match report, the altercation began after Muruks player Levai Andrew was high-tackled by Lahanis' Jero Kunda, prompting a penalty. Tensions flared, punches were exchanged, and several club officials left the bench area and entered the field, escalating the situation.

Suspended players from PRK Mendi Muruks include Junior Thomas, Robert Gigmai Jr, Richard Mautu, Levai Andrew, Finley Peter. Players from Bintangor Goroka Lahanis in Ishmael Peter, Jero Kunda, Nelson Opri and Sipa Kaupa, also face suspension.

Suspended Officials include Muruks trainer Francis Moya, Wilfred Kimagl [Lahanis physiotherapist] and Lahanis assistant coach Niko Upilee.

In a statement, the PNG NRLC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on on-field violence, stressing that foul play and behaviour of this type is not acceptable.

“This is a strong reminder to all clubs that such conduct will not be tolerated,” the statement read. “The PNG NRLC is focused on raising the standards of the game and ensuring its continued growth.”

The league is expected to closely monitor both clubs’ responses to the sanctions over the coming week.