Rigo Rice set to launch biggest rugby league tournament with K300,000 prize money
The KCK Rigo Rice Cup will become the largest off-season competition in the country when it hosts the first edition next month.
The tournament is aimed at exposing young and emerging talents in the hub of the nation’s capital as teams battle for a shot at K300,000 prize money.
The grassroots comp sponsored by Rigo Rice Limited and Kendekali Lawyers is willing to accommodate other interested corporate sponsors and partners to foster the tournament as it eyes local stars to showcase their prowess.
The host organising committees comprises of former PNG Kumul stars, who will be supervising the games in various pools with close collaboration with the tournament organisers.
CEO Of the KCK Rigo Rice Cup Limited Mr. McSteve Polly said necessary preparations were complete with teams from all over Port Moresby indicating a huge interest in the tournament.
Polly said Rigo Rice Cup will proceed in alignment with the PNG NRL Bid, which focuses more on giving young aspiring talents in the country a chance to expose them on a big stage, while creating a contingent platform for rugby league’s development in the country.
The tournament also aims to be a medium of tourism promotion in Papua New Guinea, promoting and supporting the diverse culture of the nation through wider participation of teams from all provinces.
The Competition is set to kick off on November 09th right after registration closes, and the games will be held in five different venues throughout Port Moresby City.
- Moresby North West: Ipi Park, Hohola
- Moresby North East: Bomana Police College Field
- Moresby South: Bava Park
- Motu Koita: Kone Field
Twenty teams from all tertiary institutions in Port Moresby have been invited to participate in the tournament. The venue for the school teams is still being finalized, and the organizers will provide an update once it's confirmed.
The North West, North East, and Tertiary divisions will commence immediately after registration closes, followed by the Motu Koita and South Side divisions.
“This schedule will allow us ample time to complete all matches efficiently,” Polly said.
“Grand finals will be held at the Sir. Hubert Murray Stadium and live-streamed on multiple social media platforms, through the tournament’s official media partner, Rebel Media Productions Limited.”
The tournament encourages teams to field youth players between the ages of 16 and 23, as this will increase their chances of being scouted for opportunities abroad.
To ensure a platform for emerging talents to shine, each team may include a maximum of three Digicel ExxonMobil Cup players.