Must-see masters at Raemaru

Raemaru Park and the Avatiu Swamp will be the two venues to catch the rugby league action today as the Bears host the Warriors and the baby Eels host the Panthers.

But the masters league game at Raemaru Park is being talked up as a must see match as former league legends come together to have a run and share stories about ‘back in my day’.

The masters age group in the Cook Islands is strictly limited to 40-years and over with those aged between 40 and 49 to wear black shorts, 50 to 59 to wear red shorts and players over 60 are to wear gold shorts.

The rules are adopted to cater for the various age groups and every player must wear their correct coloured shorts otherwise you won’t be allowed to play and any rough play will not be tolerated – an instant pink card will be issued!

Players that attended the last league masters festival in New Zealand a couple of years ago are encouraged to bring your playing jerseys for today’s game.

Meanwhile in the premier league grade – the match between the Warriors and Bears is being touted as the match to watch and is the only premier grade match to be played today.

The Bulldogs and Sea Eagles match and the clash of the Sharks and Eels were both played on Friday.

While the Panthers premier grade are on a bye this week – the clubs junior grade will still represent the club today when they take on the baby Eels at Avatiu in what should be great matches.

- Matariki Wilson

Saturday 26 at the Swamp Eels vs Panthers – 12.30pm under 13 grade, Ref-J Murray assisted by club officials, 1.30pm under 16, Ref-B Bishop assisted by K Kopu and R Mato, 2.30pm CIFL masters, Ref-J Hosking assisted by retired volunteers, 3.15pm reserve grade, Ref-N Takaiti assisted by T Benioni and B Bishop, 4.45pm under 19, Ref-K Kopu assisted by N Takaiti and T Benioni.

Saturday at Raemaru Park Bear vs Warriors – 12.30pm under 13 Bears vs Sea Eagles, Ref-P Ngaroi assisted by club officials, 1.30pm under 16, Ref-M Caffery assisted by P Rongokea and P Ngaroi, 2.30pm under 19, Ref-T Manea assisted by N Tou and T Tuakana, 3.30pm reserve, Ref-S Teiotu assisted by T Tuakana and M Caffery, 5pm premier grade, Ref-A Emile assisted by N Tou and T Manea (sub officials-M Caffery and S Teiotu).