Muruks’ Sam, Dabaris Sap take top PNGNRLC honours

Mendi Muruks playmaker Francis Sam was named the 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup player of the year *(Image: PNGNRLC)*

Mendi Muruks halfback Francis Sam and Gas Resources Central Dabaris lock Jeffinda Sap were crowned the 2026 PNG National Rugby League Competition [PNG NRLC] Players of the Year at the official season awards night in Port Moresby on Wednesday, September 10.

The annual presentation night brought together representatives from the PNGRFL, PNG Chiefs, SP PNG Hunters, major sponsors Digicel, ExxonMobil, and Santos, alongside franchise officials to acknowledge the standout performers across both the premier men’s Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and women’s Santos Cup competitions.

Sam picked up a double header on the night, also claiming the Halfback of the Year honours in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Team of the Year after leading the Muruks’ attack throughout the campaign. His coach, Roderrick Puname, was named Coach of the Year, while Kandes RLC secured the prestigious Club of the Year title.

In the Santos Cup, Sap was outstanding for Central Dabaris, securing the Player of the Year award alongside her selection as Lock of the Year. Moni Plus NCDC POM Vipers' coach Ben Wemin claimed Santos Cup Coach of the Year, while East New Britain Gurias were named Santos Cup Club of the Year.

PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina commended the award recipients for their dedication and contribution to elevating domestic rugby league standards across the country.

“Congratulations to all our award recipients on these milestone achievements,” Hondina said. “Your hard work, dedication and commitment throughout the season have been recognised. These awards are a testament to the effort you have put into improving yourselves and contributing to the growth of rugby league in Papua New Guinea.”

PNG NRLC Chief Operating Officer Tony Archer highlighted the discipline required to reach the top tier of the competition.

“Reaching this level of recognition requires consistency, discipline, and hard work, and each of you has demonstrated those qualities,” Archer said.

Santos Cup season awards winners pose for a group picture *(Image: Santos Cup)*

FULL LIST OF 2026 AWARD WINNERS:

DIGICEL EXXONMOBIL CUP

Player of the Year: Francis Sam (Mendi Muruks)

Coach of the Year: Roderrick Puname (Mendi Muruks)

Club of the Year: Kandes RLC

Rookie of the Year: Jayden Numapo (Kandes RLC/Mt Hagen Eagles)

Top Try Scorer: Manase Watt (POM Vipers)

Top Points Scorer: Mark Alunga (ENB Gurias)

Referee of the Year: Dickson Paul

Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Team of the Year: Jeremaiah Ben (Fullback - POM Vipers), Joel William (Winger - Enga Mioks), Jayden Numapo (Centre - Kandes RLC), Lote Kuman (Five-Eight - Hela Wigmen), Francis Sam (Halfback - Mendi Muruks), Benia Simon (Hooker - Kandes RLC), Xavier Turi (Prop - Hela Wigmen), Dou Tapako (Second Row - Mendi Muruks), Modekai Waim (Lock - Enga Mioks).

SANTOS CUP

Player of the Year: Jeffinda Sap (Gas Resources Central Dabaris)

Coach of the Year: Ben Wemin (Moni Plus NCDC POM Vipers)

Club of the Year: ENB Gurias

Rookie of the Year: Alice Alois (POM Vipers)

Top Try Scorer: Naomi Kelly (Gas Resources Central Dabaris)

Top Points Scorer: Sherinda Philip (Gas Resources Central Dabaris)

Referee of the Year: Norm Epi

Santos Cup Team of the Year: Jasmine Joe (Fullback - POM Vipers), Alice Alois (Winger - POM Vipers), Joyce Hobert (Centre - POM Vipers), Tere Rema (Five-Eight - Central Dabaris), Laila Malabag (Halfback - POM Vipers), Nisila Ravu (Hooker - Central Dabaris), Winnie Steven (Prop - Central Dabaris), Tasha Storm (Second Row - Mt. Hagen Eagles), Jeffinda Sap (Lock - Central Dabaris).