Battle Lines Drawn for KCK Rigo Rice Cup Grand Final

After six months of fierce competition, with over 80 teams fighting for the coveted trophy, and a whopping grand prize money of K300,000 up for grabs, the Morobe Pride and South Side Dolphins remained the top two teams to reach the Grand Final, aiming to battle for supremacy today (June 12th, 2025) at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby. 

The Morobe Pride, Hagen United and Hidomo Brothers are the three outside teams to participate in the inaugural Rigo Rice Cup, while the majority of the teams are Port Moresby-based. The ‘Rainy Lae’ men weathered the storm and marched to the big dance, while the Hidomo Brothers performed poorly, and the Hagen United bowed out in the quarterfinals. 

Pride showed their championship credentials in leg 3, winning all their pool matches and were ultimately crowned the champions. However, they lost one game in the qualifying finals. Since they were sitting first on the ladder, one more chance was given to them and they made use of it, redeeming themselves with a win and booking their spot in the decider. 

Conversely, the South Side Dolphins were not considered serious contenders. However, the unpredictable South Side lads not only surprised everyone, but they pulled off a couple of upsets against the heavyweights and secured their place in the big dance, preparing to face the Morobe Pride on the biggest stage. 

Rigo Rice Cup CEO McSteve Polly noted that there were doubts and criticism regarding the lucrative prize money, but they’ve proven the naysayers wrong and are looking forward to honoring their commitment and ending the inaugural competition on a successful note. 

“It’s been a tough journey for us over seven months. People were skeptical when we started, saying it was a scam but we proved them wrong. We will give the cash prizes to the champions, runners-up and the third placing team to show that we are genuine in what we are doing,” CEO Polly said. 

The Morobe Pride are going as favorites to claim the bragging rights, but the determined SS Dolphins must not be written off. It’s the battle of heavyweights versus the underdogs. This thrilling inaugural KCK Rigo Rice Cup decider will live up to its billing as the two grand finalists lock heads and battle for the top honors.

With so much at stake for both sides, the players will rise to the occasion and put their bodies on the line with no self-preservation, anticipating to not only clinch the elusive silverware but walk away with K200,000 prize money.  

Meanwhile, the Talai Spartans and Mono Mutrus Brothers will fight for third place in the curtain-raiser match at 2pm, followed by the grand final showdown between the Morobe Pride and South Side Dolphins at 4pm. 

PC: Akell Photography