Cook Islands Athletic Development group led by Rugby League international stars will head to Aitutaki today in memory of the late NRL player Troy “TJ” Dargan.

The Athletic Development group consists of Cook Islands internationals Kiana Takairangi, Zane Tetevano, Brad Takairangi, Tiana Penitani and Corban Baxter.

Last week more than 100 children were hosted to a Junior Rugby League Clinic and this week Aitutaki will be having the same.

Cook Islands Rugby League (CIRL) general secretary Francis (Franky Toa) said will be having a taste of what the international stars have to offer.

“I know Aitutaki si going to love it.”

Toa also said: “The choice of going to Aititaki is a memorial for them to celebrate one of the players that passed away, Troy Dargan.

 Troy has been a big part of these guys' sporting lives in rugby league. Which is why they've offered to go back and do a memorial.”

Toa said this was the third year of the Junior Development Programme in the Cook Islands.

“This is something Rugby League has been kind of dreaming and hoping for a very long time. And now that dream is starting to be a reality and coming into fruit. And for me, I'm a big advocate of junior development and women's rugby and just Rugby League overall.

“This helps me to lift the profile of our local Rugby League competition. So when we have guys like this make time and find their own funding to come home to us. I can only show appreciation and thanks.”

Meanwhile, the late NRL player “TJ” Dargan tragically died in a motorcycle accident early Christmas Eve while holidaying with his family in 2023 in Aitutaki.