Muruks punch grand final ticket

The PRK Mendi Muruks have become the first team to lock in a spot in the 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Grand Final after starving off a fiery second-half fightback from the Morobe Kandes to claim an 18-14 victory in Sunday's major semi-final.

In a physical and high-tempered showdown, the Muruks laid a strong early foundation before enduring a chaotic opening half to book their place in the premiership decider.

The Muruks made their intent clear early, taking control of the physical battle in the opening exchanges.

Centre Levai Andrew opened the scoring in the 12th minute after finishing off a fluid backline movement to put the Mendi outfit ahead 4-0.

The Muruks doubled their advantage eight minutes later when Francis Sam crashed over in the 20th minute.

Despite an unsuccessful conversion attempt, Mendi built an 8-0 cushion.

Tempers boiled over as the high-stakes clash intensified mid-way through the first half.

A pair of on-field altercations resulted in match officials issuing four sin-bins before the break, reducing both sides to short-handed line-ups during a fiery stretch of play.

Despite the disruptions, the Muruks adapted better to the reduced numbers, capitalizing on late discipline errors to stretch their advantage to 14-2 at the halftime mark, while the Kandes managed only a lone penalty goal.

The Morobe outfit returned from the break with renewed urgency, lifting their defensive line and mounting a sustained second-half comeback.

Outscoring the Muruks in the final term, the Kandes clawed their way back to within four points, setting up a tense finish in the dying stages.

However, the Muruks' goal-line defense held firm under heavy pressure, turning away late attacking raids to secure the four-point victory at the final whistle.

The win gives the PRK Mendi Muruks a direct route to the 2026 Grand Final and a week off, while the Morobe Kandes drop into next week’s preliminary final against Rabaul Gurias to qualify for the decider.