Local clubs are gearing up for the Cook Islands Rugby League Nines in Paradise tournament which gets underway this Friday at the National Stadium in Nikao.

Avatiu Nikao Eels and Lady Panthers will be out to retain their titles in the annual League Nines in Paradise tournament this weekend.

Eels skipper Maeva Robati was pleased with the turnout of players at their training last week.

Robati said they are confident of retaining their title.

“We are quite confident in ourselves, you obviously got to be confident in yourself but coming out as winners I think everyone’s going to want it … it’s just the matter of who wants it more I guess,” Robati told CIRL.

The Eels coached by Clive Nicholas, who guided the Cook Islands Nines team to bronze medal finish at the recent Pacific Games, will have a mix of young and experienced players.

They will be taking on the likes of former champions Tupapa Panthers, reigning 13s champions Arorangi Bears and Titikaveka Bulldogs.

Cook Islands Rugby League president Charles Carlson said this year’s tournament played over two days will feature men’s, women’s and U18s teams.

Carlson confirmed a visiting women’s team from Tokoroa will be part of the women’s competition.

“This is good for our women’s development here in the Cook Islands. We do have a lot of interest from overseas teams but will schedule that for 2025 to give CIRL and teams to prepare well for the event.”

Carlson said it’s inspiring to see all the updates from the captains for both men and women in full preparation for the Nines.

“No doubt the defending Avatiu-Nikao Eels is the team to beat, especially with a number of their players still buzzing from the Pacific Games winning bronze along with coach Clive Nicholas.

“No doubt the Lady Panthers will also be defending their title with three of the players gold medallist at the Pacific Games.

“The Bears will be hoping to a good start to the season 2024 after winning both the men and women the National Championships 2023 for the first time after 20 years.”

Carlson said 2023 was a massive year for Cook Islands Rugby League with a number of national, regional and international events to prepare for and compete.

The 2024 League Nines in Paradise will kick off CIRL’s domestic season for 2024.

“We were just overwhelmed with having the Pacific Championship in PNG followed by the Pacific Games in the Solomons, the Nines was the least of our priorities. These were massive international events, especially having to cater to both the men’s and women’s teams,” Carlson said.

“So far, there is a big hype from the local clubs both men’s and women’s gearing up for the Nines in Paradise 2024. Kicks off Friday afternoon 5^th January for the pool games, with the playoffs and finals on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, a Junior Rugby League Skills Clinic will be held today at Nukupure Park in Ngatangiia from 9am to 1pm.

The clinic which will be run by CK Athletic Development founders Corban Baxter and Kiana Takairangi will be open for boys and girls aged 6-12 years.

Registrations is a must and spots are limited. For more information, contact Franky Toa on 56237.