Cook Islands Rugby League (CIRL) is facing a shortage of players in the women’s league teams this season.

Cook Islands Rugby League competition coordinator Francis (Franky) Toa says that looking at the women’s teams in this domestic rugby league 13s championship, there has been a noticeable shortage of players.

“Initially, at the beginning, I wanted the clubs to let me know whether they're in the competition, but the first club to come back was the Titikaveka Bulldogs, they will not be competing this year in the women's division,” Toa said.

She said there were only three clubs left to confirm- Arorangi Bears, Tupapa Panthers, and the Avatiu Eels women's team.

But then again, she said both the Tupapa Panthers and Avatiu Eels were struggling with players, but Arorangi Bears have a good number of players because they've picked them from the Titikaveka Bulldogs.

“It is a bit of a struggle, this 2025, for women's rugby league, and a lot of it is all around player availability.”

Toa said the first round of the women’s competition- the women’s Exhibition Match are all friendly matches.

“This is their last week in having friendly matches, and at the beginning of round two, which kicks off next week, we expect them to be in competition mode.

“I'm hoping by the end of this weekend, the women's committee can confirm how many teams we have for them in this year's competition.

She added that Round One of the friendly matches, is to help spark interest within the community for women to join in.