Round two of the Cook Islands Rugby League domestic 13s season kicks off today with the mighty Titikaveka Bulldogs taking on Arorangi Bears at Nukupure Park in Ngatangiia.

The Bulldogs, finishing second on the points table at the end of round one, are the favourites, having caused a major upset by taking down the defending champions, the Avatiu Eels, last week.

The Bears, who are placed third, are looking forward to a rematch with the Bulldogs after going down in a closely contested round one clash.

Team representative Romaric Purua said: “The Bulldogs have been very impressive this year, winning four of their five games in the first round. That is a testament to the hard work and dedication that the club, coaches and players have put in this year.”

Purua said the Bears lost to the Bulldogs in the opening game of the first round due to their own lack of effort and discipline.

“Which is what we have been working on. Not taking any credit away from the Bulldogs, they deserved that win. They are a dangerous team, especially up the middle, with their strong, hard running forward pack setting the platform for their big outside backs to strike. Their effort on defence is phenomenal.”

The match will kick off at 5pm.