Avatiu Nikao Eels retained the Cook Islands Rugby League Nines in Paradise title after a hard-fought final on Saturday at the BCI Stadium in Nikao.

The Clive Nicholas-coached Eels defeated Tupapa Panthers 14-13 in a close showdown.

In the women’s final, newcomers Raukawa Kukis of New Zealand claimed the title after thumping Lady Eels 21-4.

The Eels and Raukawa Kukis, made up of NZ-based Cook Islands players, remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.

The Eels defeated Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles 11-8 and Titikaveka Bulldogs 27-6 on day one on Friday. On Saturday, the side overcame Arorangi Bears 25-14 before beating Tupapa Panthers 18-4.

In the men’s third place playoff, the Sea Eagles overcame the Bulldogs 19-18 in a close encounter.

Raukawa Kukis cruised through the women’s division undefeated beating 13s champions Lady Bears 15-0 before overcoming reigning Nines champions Lady Panthers 24-4.  In their final match of day one, the side defeated Lady Bulldogs 31-12. On Saturday they defeated Lady Eels 11-4 before overcoming them again in the final.

Tupapa Panthers was crowned the champions in the Under-18 division.

Cook Islands Rugby League secretary Francis Toa hailed the two-day tournament as a success with “loads of quality games”.

“Congratulations to the mighty Eels, our 2024 champions in the open men’s after defeating Panthers. Player of Tournament went to Maeva Robati. The Clive Nicholas team has been formidable throughout the competition coming out undefeated,” Toa said.

“Congratulations to the mighty Raukawa Kukis, our 2024 champions in the open women’s after defeating Lady Eels. Player of the Tournament went to Jamie Tautari.

“Congratulations to the mighty Panthers who is our 2024 champions in the Under 18s division. Player of the Tournament went to Juleo Tauu. A tough three games for both the Panthers and Sea Eagles especially having two draws and Panthers just managing to win in the final third match.”
Toa thanked the participating teams, players, coaches and management for working well with CIRL to ensure a smooth running of the competition. She also acknowledged the emcee of the tournament George George.

“Our appreciation to our officials of our tournament. Our appreciation to our sponsor Vodafone Cook Islands. Our appreciation to our volunteers Mama Eda Toa, Daena Kataina, Terrence Tereapii Tangatapoto. Also, our appreciation to AJ and Daejahn Wilson Jenkins from the Raukawa Kukis team for helping our official’s team as well. Thank you to Papa Ru for our sound system. Thank you, Annie Goodwin, and the CIIC up at the stadium for accommodating all our requests. Thank you to our stall keepers for providing food and drinks for our tournament – Shan, Anne and Joanna.”

Results

Day One: U18 Panthers 14-14 Sea Eagles, Women Lady Bears 0-15 Raukawa Kukis, Women Lady Bulldogs 7-17 Lady Eels, Men Eels 11-8 Sea Eagles, Men Bulldogs 14-26 Panthers, Women Lady Panthers 4-24 Raukawa Kukis, Women Lady Bears 23-12 Lady Bulldogs, Men Bears 14-14 Sea Eagles, Men Eels 27-6 Bulldogs, Women Lady Panthers 0-25 Lady Eels, Women Raukawa Kukis 31-12 Lady Bulldogs, Men Bears 14-25 Panthers, Men Sea Eagles 21-19 Bulldogs.

Day Two: Lady Panthers 1413 Lady Bears, Women Lady Eels 4 -11 Raukawa -Kukis, Men Bears 14-25 Eels, Men Panthers 7-0 Sea Eagles, U18 Panthers 18-18 Sea Eagles, Women Lady Panthers 16-23 Lady Bulldogs, Women Lady Eels 29-20 Lady Bears, Men Bears 4-8 Bulldogs, Men Panthers 4-18 Eels, U18 Panthers 20-11 Sea Eagles, Women Lady Bears 11-8 Lady Bulldogs, Men Sea Eagles 19-18 Bulldogs, Women Raukawa Kukis 21-4 Lady Eels, Men Eels 14-13 Panthers.