KCK Rigo Rice Cup launched, ultimate winner to pocket K200,000

Rigo Rice managing director Jeffery Kennedy presenting the K500,000 cheque to Rigo Rice Cup CEO Mcsteve Polly during the tournament launch at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium (Image: Rigo Rice Media)

The biggest grassroots tournament in Papua New Guinea was launched on Sunday with a total prize money of K300,000 up for grabs.

Ultimate winner of the inaugural KCK Rigo Rice Cup will take home K200,000.

Rigo Rice company has injected K500,000 sponsorship towards the local tournament starting Friday.

"With Rigo Rice competition, we want to give hope. Give every young man who has got a talent opportunity to showcase talent to you," Rigo Rice managing director Jeffery Kennedy said of the initiative.

"Prove to them that you have the ability to make it.

"We want to make a difference. Your playtime, your struggle, blood and sweat, they should be rewarded.

"You play hard, fight hard and win K200,000."

Teams are required to pay a K2500 registration fee.

The local tournament will run for five months with the top 3 teams from Moresby North-East, North-West, South, and Motu Koita advancing to compete for ultimate glory.

Each winner from the zones will bag K10,000.

Kieeh Kendekali, principal at Kendekali Lawyer, also pledged K200,000 to support the grassroots competition that will unearth potential future prospects.

Rigo Rice Cup chief executive officer Mcsteve Polly said this event marks the beginning of a new era for rugby league in Papua New Guinea.

"Through this, we are setting the stage for the largest grassroots platform in the country, where our young and talented players will have the chance to shine on both the national and international stage," Polly said.