The “Gabby Taune Cup”, played during Round One of the 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup season between the PRK Mendi Muruks and PRK Gulf Isou, was later reflected on with deeper significance as the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition marked Round Three Men in League over the weekend.
The tribute match united the two sister rugby league teams in remembrance of late Gabriel “Gabby” Taune and his contribution to both franchises, with both sides expressing their gratitude in true rugby league spirit as they launched their campaigns. While the match itself took place three weeks earlier, its meaning continued to resonate more strongly during the Men in League Round.
PRK Mendi Muruks Franchise Manager Vasiti Meles reflected on Gabby’s time with the club, highlighting his personality and impact within the team environment.
“The Mendi Muruks’ team motto is, ‘friends to all; enemies to none’, and Gabby lived by that during his time with the Muruks.”
“Gabby was promoted to a trainer last year but unfortunately passed on due to the sickness that he encountered. He was supposed to be our trainer this year as well but due to his untimely passing, it was like a loss to both the team and the coaching staff as well,” Meles said.
She recalled his early involvement with the club, saying, “He came and joined us in 2004. He was a very dedicated player both on and off the field and always led by example. I can clearly recall last year when we took him to Mendi, it was his first time, and his reaction was priceless – he was really excited about the experience. That was his highlight I believe and for the team as well because we went up to Mendi as a team.”
PRK Gulf Isou Franchise Manager Arnold Krewanty shared similar sentiments about Gabby’s long-standing role in the club.
“Gabby joined the PRK Gulf Isou club in 2018 and has been with the club since; for six (6) consecutive years. The club holds him dearly in their hearts and are so proud of everything that he has done for the club. He was regarded as Mr. Fix It (someone we run to when we were down or need someone to talk to) to most of the player’s in the club,” he said.
Krewanty also acknowledged Gabby’s family and his contribution to the team culture, saying that the PRK Gulf Isou franchise was more family-oriented and any player that joins the team becomes family.
“We value every contribution that every player has done for the club. To the family of Late Gabby, thank you for allowing him to play with us and be a part of us. Those memories that he has shared with both the players and the management is something that we will treasure for the rest of our lives, he will always be in our hearts for as long as we live as a club,” he said.
Gabby’s father also reflected on his son’s journey through the game and his pride in seeing him represent both franchises.
“He started playing when he was about 12 years old at Tokarara. He loved the game. I tried motivating him to play and take it seriously. From there, he debuted for the Hohola Flies under Port Moresby Rugby League. He was later scouted by the PRK Gulf Isou Franchise. He played for the team for some time and eventually joined the PRK Mendi Muruks where he was with until his untimely passing,” he stated.
“I’m not strong these days, my legs are getting weak, but I had to come because of this game. We were promised during his funeral by the PRK Mendi Muruks team that they will dedicate their first match to Gabby in remembrance of him, and they kept their words; for that, I am very grateful,” he stated.
“The first time I came here was in 2016 when he was playing in the grand final. It’s been 10 years since and now I’m back here again, all because of Gabby. Thank you to both teams and PNGRFL management for putting this together and I hope this memorial cup continues as a token of appreciation for his contributions towards rugby league in PNG,” he added.
As Round Three Men in League was observed over the weekend, the Gabby Taune Cup stood as a powerful reminder that rugby league is built on people as much as performance. While the match itself remained part of Round One history, its legacy carried through into the Men in League Round, reinforcing the values of respect, connection, and brotherhood that define the game beyond the field.