Titikaveka Bulldogs are optimistic with their performance for the 2025 Cook Islands Rugby League 13’s season as they kick off their first match against Arorangi Bears tomorrow.

Head coach, Mark Tuaati is hopeful about the team’s performance against Arorangi Bears, the recently crowned League Nines in paradise champions, who had pre-season warm up ahead of the tournament.

Tuaati admitted that his team is still in the rebuilding stage but they have are strengthened with the sense of brotherhood.

“So far so good, this is part of the momentum from the Nines tournament we just finished, and heading into our 13s,” he said.

“There’s been a sense of condolatory between the boys, the brotherhood, the teamwork, the numbers as you can see, they’re all here ready to rock this competition.

“Obviously our club is in the rebuilding stage, if anything I know, we’re in a better stage than we were in last year and so to me that’s progress and I know we are heading in the right direction.”

The Bulldogs have been consistent with their training in preparation for the competition.

Tuaati has also placed great confidence on his management team who are helping him with the belief that success is just around the corner.

He believes that they still have a lot of ground work to do which is not built overnight and that’s been their priority.

“Hopefully as we go throughout the season, we build, and hopefully success comes to us as long as we put in our hard work,” he added.

The team is promising to give everything they’ve got and are also hoping that their families and friends who are on the island can support them.

“To our loyal Titikaveka supporters here on the island that aren’t doing anything, just so you know we are here on the field putting in the hard yards hopefully it will translate on the fields,” Tuaati said.

Meanwhile, the weekly competition expected to run for three months will feature premier men’s and women’s grades alongside the junior divisions.

The tournament will be held at Nukupure Park, Ngatangiia at 5pm.