Former champions Tupapa Panthers premier men’s side sent a strong message to Cook Islands Rugby League 13s competition clubs after a convincing win in the opening round over the weekend.

The Darren Piri-coached side thumped the defending champions, Arorangi Bears, 34-8 in the feature match of the round at Victoria Park in Tupapa on Saturday.

In the rematch of the 2023 grand finale, where Bears stole the show to win the title, the Panthers proved too good on Saturday to get their season underway on a high.

Panthers skipper Tua Ravula was happy with the win but said they were still short of players on the bench.

“Much better than last year’s final. We played as a team,” Ravula told Cook Islands Rugby League.

He thanked the supporters for backing them up and asked for their continued support in the coming weeks.

Bears skipper Kiana Pomare said their performance was “rusty”, adding the players lacked the fitness to last the match.

Pomare said they need to focus on their training and work on their game fitness to get their campaign on track.

In the other premier men’s match played on Friday, Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles defeated Titikaveka Bulldogs 44-16.

In the lone women’s match held on Saturday, Lady Panthers won by default over Lady Bulldogs.

Cook Islands Rugby League secretary Franky Toa said: “The Bulldogs women’s side didn’t have enough players to field a full team, so they defaulted and then shared players for a friendly match.”

Toa was pleased with the matches in the opening week of the competition. “There were some great games that was played this weekend and I’m grateful we have started the season. There will be changes to the draw these coming weeks as we await final confirmation from all clubs as to what teams they have in place for the season,” she said.

“I feel a challenging but exciting season ahead of us.”