For the Prune Panthers from Enga Province, every match is more than a game — it’s part of a decade-long quest to bring the Ipatas Cup back home.

The NGCB Ipatas Cup, PNG’s biggest off-season rugby league tournament, was started by Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas in the late 1990s to give grassroots players a chance to shine and be scouted for higher-level competitions. Supported by the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB), the Cup has grown into a prestigious national competition, offering exposure, prize money, and a pathway for young talent.

Prune Panthers Captain, McCoy Gallon says the Cup means more than just a trophy.

“Every competition we enter, every game we play, is focused on bringing the Cup back home. It’s not just for the team — it’s for the whole province,” he said.

The Panthers have battled through provincial qualifiers and the Gold Pass, learning from losses and gaining strength with each match. For them, the Cup represents pride, hope, and community spirit. Villages rally behind the team, and young players dream of following in their footsteps.

“We aim high,” Gallon said. “If we don’t succeed this year, we’ll come back next year. Every competition is another chance to bring the Cup home.”

The Prune Panthers’ story shows that in PNG rugby league, the pursuit of a dream can be as powerful as victory itself.