Sharks clinch Nelson Saroa Cup with dominant display

The Gereka Sharks have been officially crowned the 2026 Rigo Coast Nines champions after defeating the Kido Gigiras 32-8 in a one-sided grand final at the Gabone Rugby League oval over the weekend.

The Nelson Saroa Cup decider proved to be a masterclass from the Sharks, who dominated the contest from the opening whistle to frustrate their opponents.

Sharks captain Omega Jogioba led from the front, scoring a brilliant hat-trick of tries. His outstanding performance throughout the tournament also earned him the coveted Player of the Tournament award.

Boasting a side heavily reinforced by Port Moresby AFL players, the Gereka-based outfit ran riot over the Kido-backed combination, starving them of possession to race to a commanding 14-0 lead at halftime.

Tensions threatened to boil over as both sides traded heavy hits in front of a packed and vocal Rigo Coast crowd. However, the Sharks’ big-match experience proved to be the deciding factor in the 30-minute encounter, as they remained composed under pressure to secure the title.

For their efforts, the Gereka men walked away with the K8,000 major prize from the total K10,000 Cup prize pool.

In the lower-tier divisions, the Iola Doggies claimed the Bowl title, while the Bona Sharks secured the Plate silverware after edging out the Saroa Raiders in a 17-14 thriller.