South Side Dolphins Crowned KCK Rigo Rice Cup Champions

The South Side Dolphins claimed the 2025 inaugural KCK Rigo Rice Cup following their gritty 12-10 victory over the fast-finishing Morobe Pride yesterday afternoon (June 12) at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby. 

After seven months of brutal competition between more than 80 teams, the SS Dolphins and Morobe Pride booked their spots in the grand final, but the South Side lads emerged victorious over the courageous men from ‘Rainy Lae’.

In a high-stakes slugfest contest, the eventual champions (Dolphins) dominated the early proceedings and kept the Pride at bay, registering two tries to take a 12-0 lead at the break. 

Undeterred by the 12-point lead, the Morobe Pride found their rhythm in the second half and scored two tries to steal the win from the Dolphins, but the Bagelo Solien-coached side defended their line to clinch the trophy.

Coach Bagelo Solien credited the Morobe Pride for putting up a competitive fight and praising the SS Dolphins, who held their own to upset the highly-favored men from Morobe’s capital.  

“It’s a game of two halves. We came out firing on all cylinders in the first half and probably would’ve liked to maintain that momentum, but credit to the Morobe Pride who regrouped and dominated the second half,” Solen said.

“The game could’ve gone either way. Morobe came out strong in the second but unfortunately, they missed one conversion, so we were lucky to win. I’m happy for my boys.”

In addition, distinguished guests like Rigo Rice Cup Managing Director Jeffery Kennedy, Governor Powes Parkop, Rigo MP Sir Ano Pala, Sports Minister Kinoka Feo, Mining Minister Rainbo Paita, including former Melbourne Storm player and PNG’s favorite son Justin Olam, were in attendance to witness the grand final.  

Rigo Rice Cup Managing Director Jeffery Kennedy congratulated the SS Dolphins for being crowned the pioneer champions of the new competition and acknowledged the finalists, as well as the participating teams.

KCK Rigo Rice Cup CEO McSteve Polly congratulated the 80-plus teams for their participation and extended his appreciation to the founder of Rigo Rice and National Planning Minister Hon. Ano Pala. He also acknowledged Mr. Kennedy and Kendakali Lawyers for their unwavering support to deliver a successful competition.

CEO Polly announced that the second edition of Rigo Rice Cup first prize money would be K500,000. It’s the biggest grassroots competition in PNG. The second edition is expected to kick off in November this year.     

Moreover, Justin Olam thanked the KCK Rigo Rice Cup team led by CEO McSteve Polly and Managing Director Jeffery Kennedy for hosting a peaceful and successful competition, despite facing minor hiccups. Olam also encouraged the players to be disciplined, work hard, and chase their dreams.

Meanwhile, the SS Dolphins walked away with a trophy and K200,000 prize money, while the Morobe Pride received K60,000 and Mono Mutrus Brothers scooped K40,000 for third place.