Cook Islands Touch Association’s 2024 season kicked off with the women’s Nukz Power team defeating FBI in the opening match on Monday.

Mitiaro women’s team, Nukz Power led by Rima Browne, are the defending champions.

The side defeated Hinnah Tatuava led FBI 8-0.

In the other women’s match, Niks lost to Bounty 4-7.

In the men’s competition, Puna Hiro’s team GAT defeated Nuks Power 8-3 while KAPs lost to the Warriors 6-7.

Cook Islands Touch Association president Julieanne (Julz) Westrupp said this year they will be rewarding top try scorers in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

Westrupp said that after Monday’s performance, the top try scorers are tied at three tries each: the women are Mahana Sjip and Mereana Atatoa Carr, and the men are Oscar Wichman and Vou Williams.

“All games were very competitive; therefore, the season looks exciting and will definitely be tough,” Westrupp said.

“This grade will be playing three rounds before going into playoffs with 1^st playing 4^th and 2^nd playing 3^rd.”

Westrupp thanked the referees who officiated the games for ensuring fair play. She added that more action awaits today with the mixed grade, where six teams will compete fiercely for a top four placing.

In the mixed grade, KAPS will again be led by Viiga Mataroa, Nukz Power led by Vernon Horn, Outlaws spearheaded by Puna Hiro, and defending champions team 007 will be led by father and son, Andy and Adyn Kapi.

Team CISNOC is walking the talk and joining the competition this year and it will be exciting to see their staff on the field.

Newcomer JAWs, led by veteran Teokotai “Billy Bush” Tuaivi, is also joining the competition.

Westrupp earlier said the teams are well-matched with a good mix of experience, skill, and flair. The mixed grade promises to be particularly exciting.

There are four men’s and four women’s teams competing, along with six mixed teams for the weekly competitions that are held on Mondays and Wednesdays at the National Stadium from 5pm.

Westrupp earlier said Mondays at 6pm is a free slot which they hope to use for those interested in playing in the Masters grade (45+) at the Cook Islands Games. She encourages everyone to take advantage of this.

• Losirene Lacanivalu

Results

Women – Nukes Power 8 vs FBI 0, Nikz 4 vs Bounty 7. Men – Nukz Power 3 vs GAT 8, KAPs 6 vs Warriors 7.

Fixtures

Today – 5pm KAPs vs Outlaws; 5.30pm Nukz power vs JAWs; 6pm 007 vs CISNOC