PRK Mendi Muruks coach Rodrick Puname has urged his players to remain disciplined and keep their emotions in check when they face the Agmark Gurias in the 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Grand Final on Sunday.
Reflecting on last week’s match against the Morobe Kandes, where some Muruks players displayed strong emotions, Puname said the Grand Final against the Gurias would be a special occasion, with both clubs being foundation teams of the competition.
The two sides previously met in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Grand Final in 2012 and will meet again on Sunday for their second Grand Final against each other.
“We will just keep it simple by keeping our emotions in check and we will be okay,” he said.
Puname said it had been a long season for the Muruks following last year’s Grand Final loss to the Lae Snax Tigers, where he believed there were areas the team could have handled better.
He said the team was happy to return to the Grand Final after working hard throughout the 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup season.
“We worked hard to place us in the position where we corrected the wrongs of last year, and we are happy to be back,” he said.
“Credit to the boys and the coaching staff. We have got the opportunity now to make sure we get it done properly on Sunday,” he said.
Puname acknowledged that the Muruks would face a different challenge against the Gurias compared to last year’s Grand Final against the Tigers.
“We are playing against a different team. It’s not Snax Tigers, but we have some of the players who have been part of the team that played in the Grand Final last year, so we just have to make sure we prepare ourselves right for Sunday’s game,” he said.
The Muruks coach said the team would use the remaining days to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the Grand Final.
“It’s just that we need to do a little bit better towards the back end of the halves. That is something that we have realized during the last three games. We were short or clocked off a little bit towards the dying stages of the game, so that is something that we have talked about,” he said.
Puname said the Muruks were aware of the professionalism of the Gurias and expected them to become stronger as the game progressed.
“Knowing the Gurias and how professional they are, they are going to become stronger during that time, so hopefully we Muruks get it right on Sunday,” he said.
The Muruks had a bye last week, which Puname said provided the team and players with valuable recovery time. However, he acknowledged that the Gurias’ two consecutive matches could give the East New Britain side an advantage in terms of game preparation and momentum.
Meanwhile, Puname has also urged supporters to behave responsibly on game day and show true sportsmanship regardless of the result.
“I know we have a lot of die-hard fans out there, but just keep our emotions checked and show your support. Whatever happens on the field remains on the field,” he said.
“Whoever wins, wins, and whoever loses can come back stronger next year,” he said.