Tirang, Alfred star as Gurias claim 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup
The Agmark Rabaul Gurias have been crowned the 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup champions after defeating the PRK Mendi Muruks 26-14 in the grand final at a sold-out Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday.
The East New Britain franchise opened the scoring through clever short-side work from hooker Emmanuel Alfred, who caught the Muruks defence off guard before sending centre Willie Tirang through to set up winger Chris Benjamin for the opening try.
Strong winds at the stadium affected halfback Mark Alunga’s conversion attempt, leaving the Gurias with an early 4-0 lead.
The Muruks struck back immediately off a Gurias kickoff error. Five-eighth Victor Aria Jr crossed to put the Southern Highlands side on the board, though halfback Francis Sam failed to add the extras.
Controlling the attack with high pace and tempo, the Muruks continued to press. A quick play-the-ball from reserve hooker Jacky Winas provided room for Aria Jr, who fired a long pass to winger Jamie Puk for their second try. Kicking into the headwind, Winas missed the conversion as the Muruks took an 8-4 lead in the 17th minute.
The Muruks stiffened their defence as the Gurias attempted to hit back, with Emil Benjamin denied near the line. However, back-to-back penalties rewarded the Gurias' efforts, allowing Tirang to score a solo try to level the contest at 8-8. Alunga made no mistake with his second attempt of the afternoon to put the Gurias back ahead 10-8.
A costly handling error pinned Rabaul back on their line shortly before the break, and Muruks secondrower Dou Tapako took advantage, dabbing over from dummy-half under the uprights to give Mendi a 14-10 lead at halftime.
The Gurias restarted the second half with intensity. Alfred took charge around the ruck to crash over for a try, with Alunga’s conversion putting Rabaul up 16-14.
The Muruks forced a line dropout through aggressive defensive pressure, but wasted the opportunity with a loose carry on the next set. As physical play escalated in the middle, Mendi's defensive line began to tire.
The Wartovo Puara Jnr-coached Gurias thought they had extended the lead when Tirang bumped off defenders for a second try, but the video referee overturned the decision after a teammate was ruled to have pushed him over the line.
Drop balls continued to put both sides under defensive pressure in the final quarter, but it was the Gurias who capitalized. Alfred sealed his double six minutes from full-time, planting the ball near the uprights. Alunga added the two points to make it 22-14.
Star forward Muka Kalu put the result beyond doubt in the closing minutes, offloading to winger Gabriel Silik on the right edge to seal the 26-14 victory.