The rise and progress of ODESH Magarima United Rugby League Club marks a historic achievement for Magarima District, strengthening its involvement in rugby league within Papua New Guinea.
Initially established to foster unity, promote education, and encourage community cohesion, ODESH Magarima United has evolved into a competitive club in Port Moresby, gaining recognition for its growing influence in the sport.
Magarima District, located between the borders of Hela and Southern Highlands Province, has faced significant political instability and tribal conflicts, particularly during the 2022 National General Elections. These disruptions have led to rural-urban migration, with many young men from the region now participating in the team while pursuing their personal ambitions.
Recognizing the unifying power of sports, ODESH Limited’s Managing Director, Isaac Jipsy, took the initiative to use rugby league as a platform to emphasize education, foster collaboration, and strengthen relationships among young men from various tribal groups in Magarima.
The club has been gaining prominence through its participation in multiple off-season rugby league competitions in Port Moresby.
Their recent campaign in the KCK Rigo Rice Cup was particularly electrifying, as they reached the elimination finals, securing a spot in the top eight.
Mr. Jipsy expressed his gratitude to Rigo Rice Cup sponsor Jeffery Kennedy and CEO McSteve Polly for providing an avenue for his young talents to showcase their skills on the field.
He also announced that ODESH Limited will be sponsoring Magarima United 2 for the upcoming KCK Rigo Rice Cup Leg Four (4) Challenge.
Congratulating his team for reaching the quarter-finals in their debut 2025 campaign, Mr. Jipsy highlighted the significance of their progress.
“Despite being a year-old team, we’ve achieved an incredible milestone. This is just the beginning, and we will build on this experience to continue growing in the seasons ahead.”
ODESH Magarima United’s journey has just begun, but their determination and commitment signal a promising future in rugby league.
