The Lae Snax Tigers secured their place in the 2025 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup grand final with a dominant second-half performance, defeating the PRK Mendi Muruks 24-16 in a gripping semi-final at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday.
The Muruks started strong, with Mark Tony kicking an early penalty goal in the 2nd minute. He then converted a try in the 26th, putting his team up 10-6.
But the Tigers showed their resilience, with Kevin Yako scoring an opener and Mark Alunga adding a penalty goal before halftime, keeping the score close.
After the break, the Tigers took control. Jaran Pitten and Alunga scored back-to-back tries, with Alunga successfully adding the conversions to give the Tigers the lead.
Although the Muruks briefly rallied with a try from Dickson Pipi in the 68th minute, a late strike from Walter David sealed the victory for the Tigers in the 77th minute.
While the Muruks’ Mark Tony had a flawless day with the boot, their attack couldn’t match the Tigers’ four tries.
The defeat brings an end to a hard-fought season for the Muruks, who will reflect on how discipline and execution under pressure cost them.
The Tigers, meanwhile, march into the grand final brimming with confidence after another clinical finals performance.