The 2026 Rigo Rice Cup grand final between Morobe Pride and 3rd City Rangers ended in a 20–20 draw after organizers decided against golden point, citing concerns for the safety of players, officials and spectators.

Organizers were forced to make a fair decision which had both teams splitting the K400, 000 total in prize money.

The match was a fiercely contested, physical encounter, with frequent stoppages and penalties for high tackles and shoulder charges. 

Morobe Pride appeared to be in control at the 60-minute mark, leading 14–6, but the Rangers kept up the pressure and mounted a late comeback.

A penalty goal and two converted tries put the Rangers ahead 20–14 with six minutes remaining. Repeated infringements then gave Morobe Pride field position near the Rangers’ try line. 

The Pride broke through to score beneath the posts with less than three minutes left, drawing level at 20–20.

Tensions flared in the crowd as the try was scored. Supporters from both teams exchanged abusive language, while other spectators entered the field, forcing a lengthy interruption. 

Soon after a delay of approximately 30 minutes, the teams returned to complete the remaining two minutes.

The match was expected to proceed to golden point, but organizers instead declared it a draw, citing time constraints, technical considerations and security risks.

Rigo Rice Cup chief executive McSteve Polly said organizers assessed the crowd’s behavior, security arrangements and conditions at the venue before reaching their decision. 

With tensions high, he said, continuing to pursue a winner could have led to violence.

“If one scores, a fight could break out,” Polly said.

He said protecting human life had to take priority over determining a champion. Polly added that representatives from both teams agreed to the draw before it was announced publicly.

To recognize both teams, organizers combined the first prize of K300,000 and the second prize of K100,000, then split the total between them, with each team receiving K200,000. 

Polly said the teams were encouraged to leave as winners and celebrate together.

The decision meant there would be no outright champion, but Polly said it was the responsible choice given the potential security risks.

In the third/fourth place playoff Ave RLC defeated Mastamark 5Mile Heights 22-14 to finish third, while 5mile heights settled for the fourth place. 

Ave RLC walked away with K80, 000 cash prize money while 5Mile Heights took home K40, 000 cash prize money.