Cook Island Rugby Union looks to conclude the season in a remarkable fashion with the Tri Nations 15s Series finale at Aretere Park in Avatiu this afternoon.

The Cook Islands Residents will take on Tokouso from Samoa with the winner crowned the champion of this year’s series.

In the opening match of the series, Tabusoro Fiji defeated the Residents 32-27 before going down to defending champions Tokouso 17-26 last week. According to the Cook Islands Rugby Union, Tabusoro has five points from two matches, Residents has two points and Tokouso has four points.

Tokouso coach Okesene Moananu said: “We have intensified our preparations knowing that it’s going to be a tricky game. Cook Islands has a good number of boys and has a good chance to win, they offer a kind of threat.”

“We can’t be complacent and we are surely committed to our preparations for Saturday’s games against Cook Islands.”

Residents coach Clive Nicholas, who is away in Australia with the Residents rugby league team, said: “The game against my former team is going to be a tough one … it’s going to take some trust and faith in each other to beat the Tokouso team.”

Nicholas said there was no full squad training but on Tuesday “we managed to train a full team which was pleasing”.

“The team will be in the hands of head coach Tavake, James Kora and Teariki Matenga Jnr – these two have been showing up since last week. James will lead the forwards and Teariki will be leading the backs. Apart from the coach, these twos leadership roles will be crucial.”

The action kicks off at 1pm with the Women’s 15s series decider between Town and Country. After two fiercely contested games, the series is tied at 1-all. Town narrowly won the first match 12-10 before Country rebounded with a strong 14-10 victory in the second match.

Town coach Wallace Aroita said: “I’m excited but also calm about the final match. It is another opportunity for our girls and one that I know the girls want to play and do well. That is what’s most important for me as coach which is having them on the field getting that experience.”

“Although it continues to be a very busy time for everyone, we’ve done what we can to prepare for the finals even if we did struggle to get players showing up to training.

“Both teams will no doubt go to work in the finals to try and win but at the end of the day if we can get 30-40 players on the pitch and play the game right and enjoy doing it, then that’s a win from a coaching perspective. It’s growth for all of us so we will enjoy the weekend.”

Following the women’s match, at 2pm young athletes will take centre stage in the Junior Rugby League. The U12 Stingrays from Sydney, Australia, will face off against Rarotonga XIII.

The highlight of the day begins at 4pm with the Tri Nations 15s match between Tokouso and the Cook Islands Residents. This match will determine the 2024 champions, and both teams are eager to make their mark.