The Rigo Rice Cup in Port Moresby has diverted attention of the rugby league community, with an announcement of K300,000 cash prizes by Managing Director of Kennedy Group Limited and Rigo Rice Owner Mr. Jeffery Kennedy.
This grassroots semi-professional competition started in November of 2024 with 80 teams participating in three different legs, and has streamed to the final top ten contenders who are currently competing at the Sir. Huberth Murray Stadium in Port Moresby.
Mr. Kennedy announced during the top ten kick-off conference at Dream-Inn that Rigo Rice Limited has set aside K300,000 this year for this local league but the prizes appreciates annually, depending on the behaviors and attitudes of participating teams with their management and supporters.
“I am committed to fund and support this local grassroots competition into a prominent rugby league platform in the future, in alignment with the PNGNRL Bid to develop, nurture and export more rugby league talents offshore.”
However, the Competition CEO Mcsteve Polly made mentions that the overall cost of running the games has exceeded expected budget, with more spent on venue hires to the PNG Sports Foundation, medical expanse, security, and the match officials.
“More money has been spent to hiring Bava Park every weekend from the PNG Sports Foundation, while prioritizing the safety of supporters and well-being of players every game day.”
Mr. Polly then announced that plans are underway that a new stadium construction by Kennedy Group is scheduled to start, which will only host the Rigo Rice Cup going forward, in order to minimize costing into the future.
Mr. Polly concluded that Rigo Rice is committed towards supporting, developing, funding and elevating rugby league in Papua New Guinea as well as providing deserving benefits for the players through prizes and opportunities that can transform their lives after winning.