The Lae Biscuit Pawa 9s Cup tournament was officially launched today at the Lae Rugby League ground, featuring five (5) days of rugby league action from 18th to 22nd of December. Prize money for the tournament winning teams for the men's division is K20,000 for first prize, second prize is K10, 000, third price is K6,000, and fourth prize is K4,000. Prize money for the women's winning team first place is K9,000, second is K6,000, third is K3,000 and the fourth place is K1,000. The event is proudly sponsored by Lae Biscuit Company, marking the 10th year Lae Biscuit Company is hosting the rugby league 9s challenge in Lae city. This tournament highlights their ongoing commitment to developing rugby league in Papua New Guinea and creating pathways for emerging talents. Teams confirmed to play are 32 men's teams and 12 women's teams to compete during the 5 days of tournament at Lae Rugby League ground. All registered teams for both men and women have been grouped into pools and will be playing 3 games each. Round 1 and 2 will be played tomorrow, Wednesday 18th December, and Round 3, the elimination round, will be played from Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st December. Only teams to qualify for the elimination rounds will be the first and the second team in each pool. The Pawa 9s is significant as it serves as a key selection platform for the Lae Snax Tigers squad, hence it is also supported by Prima, Raumai 18 and Seeto Kui. Meantime, at the launch today, food rations and Pawa 9s merchandise were distributed to each team.