Marjorie “Mati” Toru and Romehael “Romey” Rauraa have been named as the co-captains for the Cook Islands national netball team set to compete at the Nations Cup in Singapore and the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands later this year.

Netball Cook Islands and national coach Rima Moeka’a were pleased to announce Toru and Rauraa as co-captains of the national side.

The decision to appoint these two at the helm represents a strategic move that blends experience with emerging talent, ensuring a formidable force on the international stage, Netball Cook Islands said in a statement.

Toru, a stalwart of the game, boasts an impressive international career with a remarkable 35 caps to her name.

Her journey began in the Pacific Nations Cup series in Papua New Guinea back in 2011, and since then, she has become a bedrock of the team’s offense, primarily taking up the GA (goal attack) position.

Toru’s wealth of experience, strategic acumen, and unshakeable determination have made her a guiding force both on and off the court.

Rauraa, a rising star in the netball scene, brings a fresh energy and a unique style of play.  

With just two international caps to her name, Rauraa made an indelible mark in her debut at the World Cup Qualifiers held in Fiji this year against Papua New Guinea which gave her an insight into the expectations required to represent the national side.

Her agility and precision in the current national team’s attack, particularly in feeding, showcases a promising talent set to blossom in the years to come.

National netball coach Rima Moeka’a said: “Mati and Romey’s partnership exemplifies the strength and diversity of our team. Mati’s seasoned expertise and Romey’s emerging talent create a powerful synergy that will undoubtedly drive us in the upcoming campaigns.”

The team is now preparing for the Nations Cup in Singapore and the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands later this year.

To assist the team in these games, the national team will be doing a runathon fundraiser on Saturday, September 30 and would urge clubs and community to show their support for the team. All the funds raised will get them to the games. 

Netball Cook Islands also thanks their sponsors for their generous donations and support.

Cook Islands National Netball Team: Marjorie Toru, (C) Rochelle Teiri, Curly Taripo, Nicol Tiaore, (Avatiu/Nikao Dragonflies Netball Club), Romehael Rauraa (C), Rachel Tuaputa (Arorangi Flames Netball Club) ,Iva Piakura, Maya Piakura (Ngatangiia/Matavera Eastern Stars Netball Club), Norma Pepe, Mere-Jean Piri (Tupapa/Maraerenga Netball Club) Alanna Smith, Aleida Tere, Kimberly Tangirere (Titikaveka Pearls Netball Club). Rima Moeka’a (Head Coach), Kura Moeka’a (Team Manager),  Mii Maui and Ezekiel Tupa (Assistant Coaches)