Netball Cook Islands are focused on overcoming any hurdles that may come their way as they turn their focus on the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

They arrived in Honiara yesterday. (Tuesday Cook Islands time)

Having earned third place at the Mirxes Nations Cup competition in Singapore in October, the team departed for the Pacific Games eager to get to work.

NCI secretary and national team co-coach/manager Tekura Moekaa says following their return from Singapore, the team faced challenges such as illness and the struggle to readjust to work and home life, compounded by the absence of their team leader.

However, Moeeka said recent days have seen the team overcoming these hurdles, heading in the right direction.

She said the opening ceremony and the ongoing games have ignited excitement and motivation among the players, propelling them to refocus on their training.

“The anticipation of joining the rest of Team Cook Islands adds to their determination,” she said.

In Pool A, the Cook Islands face tough competition, including Tonga, ranked 7th globally and hungry for a victory after 2019, Papua New Guinea, the 2nd-place team in the Singapore Mirxes Nations, and formidable squads from Vanuatu and Niue. Pool B promises intense matchups with Fiji, Samoa, host Solomon Islands, and Norfolk Islands.

Acknowledging the challenging road ahead, Moeka said the team expressed readiness to put in the hard work, epitomising their resilience.

She said the addition of Tapuiva (Iva) Piakura, who debuted in Fiji 2019, brings fresh energy, replacing the injured Aleida Tere- notably, 11 members from the Singapore Campaign remain.

And they are proud of Autiare Luke, the only Cook Islander serving as a Technical Official in the Pacific Games Netball Competition.

“Her experience will be instrumental in teaching our people here in the Domestic Season.”

Moeeka explained that the draw will require teams like the Cook Islands to play two games in one day during pool play, adding an extra layer of intensity to the competition.

The team has acknowledged their families and the Community for all their support.

Team Cook Islands Netball Athletes - Norma Pepe, Maya Piakura, Tapuiva Piakura, Mere Jean Piri, Romehael Rauraa, (Co-Cap) Alanna Smith, Kimberly Tangirere, Curly Taripo, Rochelle Teiri, Nicol Tiaore, Marjorie Toru, (Co-cap) Rachel Tuaputa.

Management; Tekura Moeka'a (Team Co Coach/Manager), Tupa Tupa (Co-Coach, Assistant Manager)

Technical Official; Autiare Luke.

Losirene Lacanivalu at the Pacific Games