Ben Hetra Memorial Cup

Congratulations Supper A.Jones for your Appointment as Coaching Director for Kroton Hela Wigmen Ruyby League Club for DEM Cup, 2026 Season.

These are names of players identified during the Ben Hetra Memorial Cup Rugby League 9s. All to assemble in Tari by Tuesday 27 January for selection trial match on Sunday 1st February 2026 for the opportunity to be drafted into 2026 Wigmen pre-season training..

Thankyou 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡

Message from Hon. Dr Billy Joseph, MP
Member for Nipa–Kutubu | Minister for Defence and National Emergencies

I extend my warm congratulations to the Nipa Rugby Football League and the Nipa Snipers 9s Team for their participation in the 2026 Hela Wigmen Ben Hetra Memorial 9s Tournament in Tari, Hela Province.

This is more than a sporting achievement. It is a proud moment for Nipa–Kutubu and a strong statement of unity, reconciliation, and forward looking leadership by our young people.

I wish to acknowledge and commend the Nipa-Kutubu District Development Authority for its sponsorship and full support of the Nipa Snipers. This investment reflects our district’s commitment to youth development, peacebuilding, and the strategic use of sport as a platform for social stability and economic progress.

The presence of a Nipa team in Tari carries deep meaning. For too long, our region has been burdened by violence and division that have delayed development and limited opportunities for our people. Today, we are deliberately choosing a different path; one where peace, reconciliation, and cooperation guide our actions.

Sport has the unique power to bring people together where politics and history have sometimes pulled us apart. The participation of Nipa RFL teams alongside our brothers and sisters from Hela represents practical peacebuilding in action. It is sports diplomacy led by youth; disciplined, respectful, and focused on shared purpose.

As the Member for Nipa–Kutubu, I firmly believe that security and stability are the foundations of development. Nipa’s strategic position between Southern Highlands and Hela gives us enormous potential to become a hub for trade, services, and regional movement. When people can move freely, commerce grows. When commerce grows, opportunities follow.

I also commend the leadership of Nipa RFL Chairman Emmanuel Tol and his executive for building a credible, well-governed league registered with the PNG Rugby Football League and the Investment Promotion Authority. This institutional approach ensures that rugby league in Nipa is not only competitive, but also accountable, inclusive, and development focused.

Looking ahead to 2026, as Nipa RFL prepares to launch its full club competitions, I reaffirm my support; both as your local Member and as Minister for Defence, for initiatives that keep our young people engaged, disciplined, and hopeful.
To the Nipa Snipers: you carry the pride of our district. Play hard, play fair, and represent Nipa–Kutubu with humility and strength.

Let this tournament mark a new chapter, where our region moves from conflict to cooperation, from violence to commerce, and from division to shared prosperity.

Peace is not weakness.
Peace is the pathway to development.

Let's all get behind our boys!
Let's Go Nipa Snipers!

✍️
💪

Thankyou Governor 💯❤️

𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥

On behalf of Ipwenz Construction Ltd, we extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the successful hosting of the Late Ben Hetra Memorial 9s Tournament.

As a responsible company, we believe it is our social obligation to actively integrate with and support the communities in which we operate. Ipwenz Construction Ltd, together with our partner sponsors, is truly pleased to see the tournament delivered successfully and in the right spirit.

The primary reason for our sponsorship is to honour and pay tribute to our former Wigmen captain and Assistant Coach, the late Ben Hetra, whose legacy continues to inspire many. The second reason is to encourage our youths to engage positively in rugby league under the theme KEEP HELA SAFE, steering them away from guns and violence, drugs, and homebrew.

Rugby league provides discipline, purpose, and opportunity. It can take our young people far, just as it has taken players like Edwin Ipape and many others to greater heights.

We commend and thank the Organising Committee for a job well done. Special acknowledgement is given through the Chairman & Board of the Wigmen. We also extend our sincere thanks to the Tournament Director, Mr Joseph Kaupa, the Wigmen CEO, Mr Patrick, and all others who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

Our appreciation also goes to the field officials, referees, and touch judges, the media team for comprehensive coverage throughout the tournament, and the Police and Defence Force for ensuring security and the safety of everyone involved.

Finally, we sincerely thank and appreciate all 24 participating teams from across the Highlands Region and a special appreciation to the Tari communities that hosted our teams. Without your participation, there would be no tournament.

In every competition, there can only be one winner, and we proudly congratulate Marcovs Eastern Star for winning the Late Ben Hetra Memorial 9s Cup.

In conclusion, Ipwenz Construction Ltd, through the Office of the Managing Director Mr Moses Palipe, is pleased to confirm our commitment to continue sponsoring this tournament next year—bigger and better.

Thank you all, and may God bless you.

Rodney Ipape
General Manager
Ipwenz Construction Ltd

Thankyou NBC 🙏

Hela Province successfully concluded the Ben Hetra Memorial Cup 9s Tournament in grand fashion last week at the Wigmen Stadium in Tari that started on January 15 to 18.

Read more: https://www.nbc.com.pg/post/31536/ben-hetra-memorial-cup-9s-tournament

𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝘂𝗽 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗵 𝗞𝗮𝘂𝗽𝗮

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.

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 behaviour, 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.

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

Emerging as overall champions, Macovs Eastern Star delivered a hard-fought campaign to claim the prestigious title and the K25,000 winner’s prize. TNT JT Brothers finished as worthy runners-up and received K15,000.

In the Plate Division, Warakum Bulls claimed top honours with K15,000, while Mendi Central finished as Plate runners-up, earning K10,000. The Bowl Competition saw Tari Central crowned winners with K10,000, while Murumbu United collected K5,000 as Bowl runners-up. Kendall Tarangau, who exited after the Bowl Qualifying Finals, received a K2,000 consolation prize.

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

We also gratefully acknowledge our minor sponsors: 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.

Joseph Kaupa
Tournment Director
Ben Hetra Memorial Cup