The Avatiu-Nikao Eels are not letting their guard down as they face one of their toughest opponents in the domestic rugby league 13s championship at Raemaru Park in Arorangi this afternoon.

After yesterday’s premier men’s clash between the Tupapa Panthers and the Titikaveka Bulldogs at Victoria Park, round three action moves to Raemaru Park today due to wet conditions.

Yesterday, the unbeaten Panthers defeated the previously unbeaten Bulldogs 32-12 to extend their winning streak to three matches.

The Eels will have the chance to extend their unbeaten run to three when they face the Arorangi Bears this afternoon.

The Bears, champions of the 2025 League Nines in Paradise tournament, had a jittery start to their 13s campaign after going down to the Bulldogs 20-22 in the opening round before losing to the Panthers 8-12 last Saturday.

Despite their perfect record, the Eels coach Clive Nicholas is not taking pride in their two wins against Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles and Takuvaine (TKV) Warriors.

“It’s going to be a tough game. Arorangi have got a big team. They’ve got a big line-up,” Nicholas said.

Nicholas said the team has prepared well this week, despite some injuries from last week’s match.

He also called on the Eels’ loyal supporters to come out and support the team, starting with the children’s U14-U19 games and junior development programmes.

“Calling all our parents and our supporters to come out.”

Bears representative Romaric Purua said their preparation this week has been good, and they have been training hard to fix some of the issues that they saw last week during the game against Tupapa.

“We got Avatiu this week, and we all know what happens when you go into a game against Avatiu unprepared,” Purua said.

“The Eels have a lot of speed and power in their pack, defending that will be hard, but I believe that we are ready for it. 

“We are playing on home ground, so I’d like to call upon the supporters and families of not just the Bears, but of all clubs to head on down to Raemaru Park to support the teams playing tomorrow (today).”

In the other premier men’s clash, the Sea Eagles will take on the Warriors, with both teams looking for their first win.

The Sea Eagles lost to the Panthers 12-28 before going down to the Eels 10-30 last week. The Warriors, who are making a return to the competition, lost to the Eels 8-60 and the Bulldogs 10-48 in their first two matches.

Cook Islands Rugby League competition coordinator Francis (Franky) Toa is calling for support from the general public to help run their junior development programme. Anyone who is free, available and has time on Saturdays is welcome to lend a hand and assist officials with the U10, U8, and U6 programme, starting at 9.20am.

“Rugby league is a game for all of us to enjoy, it’s not just for the players to enjoy while playing, but it’s also for our entertainment. And I guess if we can all lend help towards rugby league, we’ll all be enjoying being a part of it.”

Fixtures

Bears vs Eels 5pm, Sea Eagles vs TKV Warriors 3.30pm, Mix 1 Red vs Mix 2 Blue- 2.45pm; U19 Eels vs Sea Eagles 1.30pm, U16 Bears vs Eels 12.20pm and U14 Bears vs Eels 11.20am, Junior development starts at 9.20- at Raemaru Park, Arorangi.