The rugby league fever is about to hit Raemaru Park once again, and this weekend promises nothing short of excitement and thrill for fans and players alike.

After a brief break during the Easter weekend, anticipation is at an all-time high as clubs and spectators gear up for another action-packed round of matches in the Cook Islands Rugby League Rarotonga 13s competition.

The highlight of the weekend is undoubtedly the double header at Raemaru Park in Arorangi, a spectacle that never fails to ignite passion and enthusiasm among rugby league enthusiasts.

Kicking off the festivities are the under-14s and U16s clashes between the Tupapa Panthers and the Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles. It’s a showdown of the titans as both teams lead the table in their respective junior grades, promising a thrilling display of skill and determination on the field.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Next up is the eagerly anticipated women’s match, featuring a face-off between the Lady Bulldogs and the Lady Bears. For the Bulldogs, it’s a chance at redemption following their narrow loss to the Panthers in Round 7. They will be hungry for victory as they aim to make amends and reclaim their dominance on the field. On the other hand, the Bears are determined to turn their string of losses into a triumphant win, and they’ll stop at nothing to achieve it. It’s a clash of wills and strength, promising edge-of-your-seat action from start to finish.

In the premier men’s clashes, Tupapa Panthers will take on table toppers Avatiu Nikao Eels followed by the Bears versus the Sea Eagles clash.

The Panthers, fuelled by their rivalry with the Eels, are ready to battle it out once again in what promises to be a gruelling contest of skill and strategy. With a history of fierce competition between the two teams, there’s no love lost on the field as they vie for supremacy and bragging rights.

Eels coach Clive Nicholas states, “we know the Panthers are always a threat whenever we play them, we know their players and the threat they pose”.

“We are confident in our structures and what we bring, but at the end of the day, it’s who wants it most minimising errors and staying disciplined … can’t wait for the game!”

Meanwhile, the Bears are gearing up to take on the confident Sea Eagles, who have emerged as the new underdogs of the league. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, the Sea Eagles have defied expectations with their tenacity and determination, earning the respect of fans and opponents alike. But the Bears are no strangers to adversity, and they’re prepared to give it their all in their quest for victory.

Fixtures

Today – 12pm U14 Panthers-Sea Eagles, 1pm U16 Bears-Sea Eagles, 2.15pm Senior Women Bears-Bulldogs, 3.30pm Premier Men Panthers-Eels, 5pm Premier Men Bears-Sea Eagles.