NCD Governor’s Cup builds momentum

The annual National Capital District (NCD) Governor’s Cup officially kicked off its 16th edition on Sunday, 21st December 2025, with the games running concurrently at Waigani’s Kone Tigers Oval and University of Papua New Guinea’s Vice Chancellor Oval. 

Three venues were initially scheduled to stage the off-season competition. However, Hohola’s Ipi Park was ruled out. Hence, Waigani’s Kone Tigers Oval and UPNG’s VC Oval will be hosting all the games until the finals. 

Running into its third day today (December 23rd), the off-season competition has gained impetus and intensity as the teams battle hard in their respective pools to secure their spots in the playoffs. 

Sixty-four (64) men’s teams and 10 women’s teams have confirmed their participation. The matches will be played in the pools’ format over the Christmas-New Year period, with finals to be staged in early January.

Last year, a soccer tournament was introduced, which ran alongside the rugby league competition. Adding to the excitement, netball and volleyball tournaments have been included this year, transforming the annual event into a major sports festival. 

NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop explained that he started the NCD Governor’s Cup in 2009 after two years of being in the office as the head of the municipal authority. 

"Since I started the Governor's Cup in 2009, it has proven to be a successful platform,” Parkop said.

“It brings all people together - year in, year out - men and women, boys and girls, players, SMEs, and everyone together.

"This is initially a rugby league festival, but last year, it has extended to soccer. Soccer is a sport that is widely played in the city and equally across the country.

“We’ve also added volleyball and netball competitions this year, creating platforms to promote our young talents in the capital city.”

The Governor highlighted the tournament as a platform to promote sports, such as rugby league, soccer, netball, and volleyball, with other codes in the pipeline.

Tournament Director Billy Aki said there had been a few hiccups the last two days, but expressed satisfaction with the tournament's progress so far. He also acknowledged Governor Parkop for his steadfast commitment to supporting the tournament for almost two decades. 

The following are the prize monies for the men’s and women’s teams competing in the rugby league tournament:

Men’s Competition

• 1st Prize - K50,000

• 2nd Prize - K30,000

• 3rd Prize - K20,000

Women’s Competition

• 1st Prize - K50,000

• 2nd Prize - K10,000

• 3rd Prize - K7,000

• 4th Prize - K5,000

Created in 2009, the Governor's Cup is one of the biggest and longest-running off-season competitions in the country, creating pathways and opportunities for youths in NCD. It is also used as a selection platform for the Port Moresby Vipers.