Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has congratulated the Rabaul Gurias on their 26–14 victory over the Mendi Muruks in the 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Grand Final, while paying special tribute to the Muruks players and supporters for accepting the result in the true spirit of sport.

Prime Minister Marape said today’s Grand Final, coming just three days before Papua New Guinea celebrates its 51st anniversary of Independence on Wednesday, 16 September, was a powerful reminder that Papua New Guineans can be fiercely proud of their provinces and teams while remaining united as one people and one country.

“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,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“At the same time, I want to congratulate the Mendi Muruks on a tremendous season and Grand Final. They played hard, fought hard and represented their people with tremendous pride. They should hold their heads high despite the loss.

“But I especially want to commend the supporters.

“The Muruks supporters came out in big numbers. They were passionate, they cheered for their team and naturally wanted their team to win. But when the final whistle sounded and their team had lost, they accepted the result peacefully.

“That is something I want to commend.

“I equally congratulate the Gurias supporters for celebrating their victory and 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.”

Prime Minister Marape said the behaviour carried an even greater message because Papua New Guinea was now only three days away from celebrating 51 years as an independent nation.

“On Wednesday, our red, black and gold flag will fly across our country as we celebrate 51 years of Independence,” he said.

“Independence is not only about remembering what happened on 16 September 1975. It is also about who we are today and the country we want Papua New Guinea to become.

“We are one of the most diverse nations on Earth. We have hundreds of languages, many cultures and traditions, 21 provinces and very strong provincial identities, and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

“Today we saw that identity and passion on full display. East New Britain stood behind the Gurias. Southern Highlands and supporters from across the Highlands stood behind the Muruks.

“For 80 minutes they were opponents. When the final whistle sounded, they were Papua New Guineans again.

“That is the spirit of Independence.

“We can come from different provinces, speak different languages and support different teams, but underneath our red, black and gold flag we are one people and one Papua New Guinea.”

Prime Minister Marape said rugby league had a unique ability to bring Papua New Guinea together, with that national passion now entering an historic new era through the PNG Chiefs and their entry into the NRL in 2028.

“The Gurias and Muruks represent the strength of our domestic game, but ahead of us is another great chapter for Papua New Guinea rugby league — the PNG Chiefs,” he said.

“When the Chiefs take the field, we will not be East New Britain, Southern Highlands, Enga, Morobe, East Sepik, Western, Bougainville or any other province.

“We will be Papua New Guinea.

“The passion we bring to our provincial teams must become national passion when our country takes the field.

“That is why today’s Grand Final is such a fitting way to enter our 51st Independence celebrations.

“I congratulate the Rabaul Gurias players, coaching staff, management and supporters on becoming the 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup champions.

“I congratulate the Mendi Muruks on another outstanding season, and I especially commend their supporters for accepting the result and showing the sporting spirit we want throughout our country.

“Three days from now, let us carry that same spirit into our 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.

“One nation. One people. One future.

“Happy 51st Independence anniversary, Papua New Guinea. God bless our people and God bless Papua New Guinea.”