The Hela Wigmen have ensured the Melanesian Club Championship remains in Papua New Guinea following a 28 – 18 win over the Western State Maroons in Saturday’s clash in Lautoka.
In the first Melanesian Club Championship since 2020, the Fiji National Rugby League attempted to end Papua New Guinea’s dominance in the competition by selecting a representative team versus the club champions from the Vodafone Cup.
The Maroons, who represents the Western State of the Island of Viti Levu, and who won last year’s Fiji Origin series, were selected for the honour, however despite pushing the Wigmen all the way, they fell short in the fifth iteration of the tournament.
The Wigmen are now the third Digicel Cup team to claim the honours.
Melanesian Club Championship Results:
2016: Rabaul Gurias 40-2 Sabeto Roosters
2017: Lae Tigers 40-4 Nadi Aviators
2018: Lae Tigers 38-22 Nadi Aviators
2020: Lae Tigers 32-8 Ravoravo Rabbitohs
2023: Hela Wigmen 28-18 Western State
