13/06/2025
SS DOLPHINS WIN K200,000 IN K300,000 CASH PRIZE GIVEAWAY IN FINALS OF THE KCK RIGO RICE CUP
BY FIDELIS SUKINA
The KCK RIGO RICE CUP Completed its 7 months of competition yesterday the 12th of June 2025, the final featured four teams the third-place playoff saw the Mono Mutrus Brothers take on the Talai Spartans.
While the main game the grand final saw the South Side Dolphins take on the Morobe Pride, the day started off with a few exhibition rugby league matches before the main games took place.
The special guest on the day was Papua New Guineas rugby league icon and retired NRL player Justin OIam.
He was part of the guest list that included, NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Rigo MP Ano Pala the Minister for National Planning and also the Managing Director of Rigo Rice, Jeffery Kennedy.
The third place paly off saw the Mono Mutrus Brothers dominate in the game in patches of the match, with a strong opposition from the Talai Spartans, the brothers managed to edge the Spartans 8-6 to claim the third place and the prize money on offer.
The main game was kicked off by Governor of NCD Powes Parkop who was escorted to the field of play by Justin Olam.
The game was physical and had strong hits and more than a few handling errors, despite the setbacks the Dolphins managed to take a commendable lead of 12-0 at half time.
But Morobe pride came strong in the second half as they doubled up in defense and gained a strong grip on possession earning them a come back that saw the team close the margin 12-10, things took a different turn when the Pride were disallowed a try, the final pass that led to the disallowed try was called forward by the referee.
This saw an outcry from the fans and Players of Morobe Pride who disputed the ruling, the game was stopped for almost an hour to find fault and see how the problem could be fixed despite all this the Morobe Pride humbled themselves and allowed play to continue, the last five minutes saw the SS Dolphins hold on to the 12-10 lead to come out winners.
The prize money of K300,000 was on display in cold hard cash, the Morobe pride received the K60,000 for their efforts after finishing as runner ups in the competition.
Jacob Maragau the owner of Morobe Pride said they had camped in Port Moresby for the last five months to take part in this tournament, he added that his players were part of a traveling side that goes to take part in rugby league tournaments across PNG, he said there must be a winner and loser and they are accustomed to playing fair.
The Dolphins received the KCK Rigo Rice Trophy from Justin Olam and received their K200,000 cash prize from Minister for Planning Sir Ano Pala.
Dolphins Patron Bagelo Solien added that it was a tough encounter for the Dolphins and Morobe Pride are a tough opposition.
Mono Mutrus Brothers received the third prize of K40,000, the team owner Tonny Kili added that at least they had something to take back home after months of preparation and participation in the KCK Rigo Rice Cup competition.
The KCK Rigo Rice Cup Competition is set to start its second edition in November.