A total of K500,000 was paid out last weekend following another grassroots rugby league competition grand final in Port Moresby.
The grand final at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium was marked by dramatic scenes, including field invasions and heated exchanges between spectators and match officials. In one incident, a player ran off the field and into the grandstand, where he exchanged punches with a spectator.
The incidents unfolded during the 2026 Rigo Rice Cup grand final, where Morobe Pride and Mt Hagen’s Third City Rangers were declared joint winners of the K40,000 grand final prize.
Both teams were locked at 20 points each after 6pm on Sunday, with tensions running high both on and off the field.
The match did not proceed into extra time due to poor stadium lighting and concerns over the safety of players and spectators.
Competition Chief Executive Officer McSteve Polly said the decision to declare a joint winner was made after considering the safety of everyone at the venue.
“We had a split winner. A win for all,” Mr Polly said after the match.
He said the organisers considered the safety of supporters and everyone at the venue before deciding to end the match rather than risk further incidents.
“Instead of giving extra five minutes and one team scores and a fight breaks out here, we have more to lose.”
“If someone dies here, it would be more than K200,000 and we cannot put a price on a person’s life,” he added.
The decision was made following consultations with both teams’ management, with safety given priority.
The grand final day began with the third-place playoff between Ave Rugby League Club and Northern Master Mark 5MK.
Ave secured third place and walked away with K80,000, while 5MK received K20,000 for finishing fourth.
