Avatiu Nikao Eels coach Clive Nicholas says the Cook Islands Rugby League 2024 season will be an interesting one after retaining the Nines in Paradise premier men’s title over the weekend.

The Eels defeated former champions Tupapa Panthers 14-13 in a closely contested final at the National Stadium in Nikao on Saturday.

Nicholas, in an interview with Cook Islands Rugby League, said the final against the Panthers was intense, calling the battle “wonderful”.

He thanked the Panthers for a great battle.

“It could have gone any way, was only one point win, but nonetheless thank all of them.”

Nicholas was also pleased with the high level of competition throughout the two-day tournament. He said the buzz and vibes created by the participating teams and the return of Pacific Games medallists helped raise the profile of the event.

He thanked all the clubs, especially those struggling over the past few years with numbers, but on Saturday showed up with a lot of young talents.

Nicholas praised the two Takitumu teams, Titikaveka Bulldogs and the Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles, especially the Lady Bulldogs team.

He also thanked the rest of the clubs, Cook Islands Rugby League Referees Association and his players and officials for a “good footy”.

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

Raukawa Kukis’ Atalia Riki Hamana shared that reaching Rarotonga required their team to diligently fundraise and luckily, they received overwhelming support from their community.

While adjusting to the weather presented challenges, the experience of competing in their homeland playing a sport they love has been a blessing.

They extended their heartfelt gratitude to their families, friends, and everyone who made their journey possible.

Cook Islands Rugby League secretary Francis Toa had hailed the two-day tournament as a success with “loads of quality games” and acknowledged the teams, sponsors, volunteers and all that were part of the tournament.

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.

Player of the Tournament: Men's Premiership - Maeva Robati - Avatiu Rugby League Club; Women's Premiership - Jamie Tautari - Raukawa Ki Waikato Sports; Under 18 Boys - Juleo Tauu - Tupapa Panthers.