12/07/2025
Rugby Sivarai: CRU Premier- Valley Hunters Eye Repeat Premiership run, Marlins a Serious Threat in Tight Top Four Battle
Port Moresby, PNG – July 11, 2025 – As the Capital Rugby Union (CRU) Premier Grade season charges into its final six rounds, the top of the ladder is showcasing a fascinating narrative of champions defending their crown, surging challengers, and a desperate scramble for playoff berths. With 30 competition points still up for grabs for each team, the landscape could still shift, but clear frontrunners are emerging.
The Champions' Relentless Pursuit
Valley Hunters Lead the Pack
SWG TSI Valley Hunters (11-1-0, PF 249, PA 148, BP 7, TP 51)
The reigning champions are living up to their title, currently dominating the Premier Grade. Their impressive 11-1 record (with no draws) highlights their consistency, and their 7 bonus points underscore their attacking prowess. Notably, they boast the highest points scored (249 PF), showcasing their offensive firepower. Their only loss this season came recently against the Theodist MBB Marlins, indicating a potential rivalry for the finals.
Minor Premiership Favorite: Strong Favorite. With 51 points and a 5-point lead, Valley Hunters are in pole position. Their consistent winning record and high bonus point accumulation make them the leading contender for the minor premiership. They'll be aiming to finish strong and secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Relentless Challenger: Marlins Lurk Dangerously
Theodist MBB Marlins (9-1-2, PF 189, PA 116, BP 6, TP 46)
The Marlins are having an outstanding season, sitting firmly in second place. Their defensive record is particularly impressive, having conceded the fewest points in the league (116 PA). Crucially, their only two losses (and one draw) have come against the Valley Hunters – but it's the recent victory over the champions that sends a strong message. This head-to-head performance against the top team signifies their genuine premiership aspirations.
Top Four Contender: Absolutely Secure. The Marlins are locked into a top-four spot. Their recent win against Valley Hunters makes them a genuine contender for the Grand Final and potentially even the minor premiership if Valley Hunters slip up.
The Race for the Remaining Top Four Spots
While the top two seem set, the battle for 3rd and 4th place is tight, with only one point separating the two current occupants.
Supreme Industries Harlequins (7-3-2, PF 262, PA 164, BP 7, TP 39)
The Harlequins' position is slightly deceiving. Despite being 3rd, they actually have the highest points scored in the entire competition (262 PF) – a testament to their potent attack. Their 7 bonus points also highlight their ability to score tries. However, 3 losses and 2 draws indicate some inconsistencies or tight contests.
Top Four Contender: Strongly positioned. Their attacking prowess will make them a formidable opponent in the finals. They are a safe bet for the top four.
Kramer Apec Brothers (8-3-1, PF 169, PA 140, BP 4, TP 38)
Last year's Grand Finalists, the Brothers, find themselves precariously holding onto 4th place. Their 8 wins are impressive, but their relatively lower points for compared to their position, and a mid-table points against, suggest they often win close games. Their 4 bonus points are also lower than their rivals, indicating fewer dominant performances.
Top Four Contender: In a strong position, but under pressure. They have the experience of playing in a Grand Final, which could be invaluable in the final rounds. They'll be looking to solidify their spot against strong competition below them.
The Darkhorses to Watch
The margins are fine, and a strong finish could propel one of these sides into contention.
Moni Plus Nova (6-5-1, PF 209, PA 217, BP 6, TP 32)
Nova is 6 points adrift of 4th place, which is a significant gap to close in 6 games. Their negative points differential (-8) is a concern, indicating they concede more than they score. However, they have the third-highest points scored in the competition (209 PF) and have accumulated a healthy 6 bonus points. Thw way they finished against Valley Hunters a couple of weeks ago, shows they are a geniune darkhorse. This shows they can score tries and be competitive in high-scoring games. If they can tighten their defense and capitalize on their attacking talent, they could be a genuine threat.
Dark Horse: Yes. They possess the attacking firepower, but consistency is key. A run of wins could see them sneak into the finals.
The Pretenders (Mathematical but Unlikely Contenders)
While not entirely mathematically eliminated, these teams face an uphill battle given their current form and points deficit.
Chemcare Juggernauts (5-6-1, PF 167, PA 172, BP 6, TP 28)
The Juggernauts are 10 points off 4th place. Their negative points differential and 5 wins indicate a struggle for consistency. While they pick up bonus points, it's not enough to offset their losses.
Ruswin Crusaders (5-6-1, PF 198, PA 187, BP 5, TP 27)
Similar to the Juggernauts, the Crusaders are too far back. While their points for are decent, their points against are high, and they have the same win-loss record as Juggernauts.
Wooden Spoon Favourites
The bottom of the ladder paints a bleak picture for two teams.
Fincorp University (2-9-1, PF 186, PA 275, BP 6, TP 16)
University has struggled immensely with only 1 win and a staggering 275 points conceded (the most in the league). Despite having 6 bonus points (showing some ability to cross the try line), their defense is a major liability. They are currently 5 points clear of the very bottom.
Northways Consulting Wanderers (2-9-1, PF 84, PA 270, BP 1, TP 11)
The Wanderers are in a dire situation. With just zero wins and by far the lowest points scored (84 PF) and second-highest points conceded (270 PA), they are the clear favorites for the wooden spoon. Their single bonus point further emphasizes their lack of competitiveness.
Grand Final Prediction
Based on current form, ladder position, and especially the compelling head-to-head results:
The Grand Final is highly likely to be a rematch between the reigning champions, SWG TSI Valley Hunters, and the formidable Theodist MBB Marlins and Harlequins. Their recent clash, where Marlins defeated Valley Hunters, sets up a mouth-watering potential final, highlighting that these two teams are a cut above the rest.