Macovs Eastern Stars Lift Inaugural Ben Hetra Memorial Cup

The Macovs Eastern Stars were crowned the inaugural Champions of the Ben Hetra Memorial Cup after shrugging off the TNT JT Brothers in the Grand Final on Sunday, 18 January 2026, at Wigmen Stadium in Tari, Hela Province.

Under the theme: “Keep Hela Safe”, the quiet Tari township was buzzed with excitement over the weekend as teams from the Eastern Highlands, Jiwaka, Western Highlands, Southern Highlands, and Hela converged at the newly opened Wigmen Stadium to vie for the first-ever Ben Hetra Memorial Cup 9s tournament.

The tournament brought together 24 teams from across the Highlands region, excluding Enga and Simbu, with the participating teams competing for the Cup, Plate, and Bowl categories in the Open Men’s Division.

The participating teams were ADF Tarangau, Post PNG Ninja, Macovs Eastern Star, Nipa Pride, JP Hulia Cowboys, Tebi Souths, Tari Central, Karinz Central Tigers, Koroba Nokonis, Mula Pride, TNT JT Brothers, Giluwe Tigers, Strickland Raiders, Warakum Bulls, Tukujawini R16 Rangers, All Blacks, Murumbu United, Zero City United, Huli Aronis, Magarima United, Mendi Central, Kendall Tarangau, Urban Saints, and Inaka Wah Wah.

Macovs Eastern Stars of SHP walked away as the inaugural Ben Hetra Memorial Cup Champions and pocketed K25,000 prize money, while the runners-up, TNT JT Brothers of Mendi, collected K15,000. 

The Warakum Bulls from Western Highlands secured the Plate title after defeating Mendi’s Murumbu United to take home K15,000, while the Southern Highlanders received K10,000.

In the Bowl category, Hela’s Tari Central edged out SHP’s Mendi Central to collect K10,000, while the men from Southern Highlands settled for K5,000. 

Tournament Director Joseph Kaupa thanked all the participating teams and the fans for behaving well and concluding the four-day event in Hela’s capital on a high note. 

“I take this opportunity to thank all stakeholders for the successful staging of the Ben Hetra Memorial Cup 9s tournament, held from 15–18 January 2026, at the newly established Hela Wigmen Stadium in Tari,” Kaupa said.

“The tournament brought together 24 teams from across the Highlands provinces, and as the first major event hosted at the new Wigmen Stadium, it has been widely hailed as a success.

“I commend the fans, supporters, and surrounding communities for their exemplary behavior, respect, and hospitality throughout the tournament.

“This conduct clearly demonstrates that Hela is ready, and that the stadium is well-positioned to be approved by Papua New Guinea National Rugby League as the permanent home base of the Hela Wigmen.

“I sincerely acknowledge and thank all participating teams for displaying true sportsmanship, humility, and respect.”

Mr. Kaupa also acknowledged the sponsors for backing the first edition of the Ben Hetra Memorial Cup and delivering a successful tournament.

“This tournament would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, so I sincerely acknowledge Ipwenz Construction, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited, National Gaming Control Board, and the Hela Provincial Government for their major contributions,” he added.

“We also gratefully acknowledge our minor sponsors, the Mineral Resources Development Company, Gravity Engineering Ltd, Macovs Engineering Ltd, and Kemele Construction Ltd.

“With strong attendance, competitive matches, and a vibrant atmosphere, the 2026 Ben Hetra Memorial Cup 9s tournament has set a high benchmark for future editions and reaffirmed the growing passion for rugby league in Hela Province.”

Beyond the results, the tournament was a powerful celebration of Hela’s renowned hospitality. Communities across Tari town, spanning nine council wards, warmly welcomed the visiting teams, hosting them in their villages, and providing hospitality and memorable cultural exchanges alongside the rugby league action.

The Ben Hetra Memorial Cup was introduced this year to honor the life and legacy of the late Ben Hetra, serving as a fitting tribute to the fallen Wigmen legend, and former PNG Hunters and PNG Kumuls representative, whose passion for the game continues to inspire. 

The tournament not only honored Ben Hetra’s legacy but also promoted unity and sportsmanship, reinforcing a growing pathway for emerging rugby league players across Hela and the greater Highlands region.

PC: Ben Hetra Memorial Cup Media