Prime Minister James Marape has congratulated the Rabaul Gurias on winning the 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Grand Final, while praising the Mendi Muruks and their supporters for displaying outstanding sportsmanship following the match.
The Gurias defeated the Muruks 26–14 to claim the 2026 premiership, producing a strong second-half performance to seal the championship.
Marape said the Grand Final, played just days before Papua New Guinea celebrates its 51st Independence Anniversary on September 16, was a powerful demonstration of how sport can unite the country despite strong provincial identities and loyalties.
“I personally congratulate the Rabaul Gurias on becoming the 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup champions. They played well, came back strongly in the second half and deserved their 26–14 victory,” Marape said.
He also congratulated the Muruks on an outstanding season, saying they fought hard in the Grand Final and represented their people with pride.
Marape particularly commended Muruks supporters who turned out in large numbers and passionately backed their team but peacefully accepted the result when the final whistle sounded.
He equally praised Gurias supporters for celebrating their victory while respecting their opponents.
“This is how rugby league should be enjoyed. We can be passionate about our teams without fighting each other. We can compete fiercely and still shake hands when it is over,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the scenes surrounding the Grand Final reflected the true spirit of Independence.
For 80 minutes, East New Britain stood behind the Gurias while Southern Highlands and supporters from across the Highlands rallied behind the Muruks. But when the final whistle sounded, they were all Papua New Guineans again.
Marape said Papua New Guinea’s hundreds of languages, cultures and strong provincial identities should be a source of pride and strength rather than division.
He added that rugby league has a unique ability to bring Papua New Guineans together, particularly as the country prepares for another historic chapter with the PNG Chiefs entering the NRL in 2028.
Marape again congratulated the Gurias players, coaching staff, management and supporters on their 2026 championship while acknowledging the Muruks for an outstanding season.
He urged Papua New Guineans to carry the same spirit of unity and sportsmanship into the country’s 51st Independence celebrations.
“Let us celebrate peacefully. Let us fly our flag proudly. Let us respect one another and remember that, whatever province we come from, we share one country and one future,” Marape said.