League
Sharks' first bite at Nines
Friday 21 December 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
Aitutaki Sharks are all set to compete in their first Cook Islands Rugby League Nines tournament on January 4 and 5.
Nines off to Samoa for Pacific Games
Wednesday 19 December 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
Cook Islands rugby league will compete in next year’s Pacific Games in Samoa.
League ranking flawed: Carlson
Friday 7 December 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
Cook Islands Rugby League Association president Charles Carlson says the ranking system used by the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) is flawed.
Kukis ranking drops to 43
Wednesday 5 December 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
Cook Islands men’s side has dropped 12 places to 43 in the latest world ranking released by the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF).
Residents claim Tri-Series title
Tuesday 30 October 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
The Cook Islands Residents XIII claimed the biennial rugby league Tri-Series after a close tussle in the final match against Papua New Guinea’s Motu Koita Lagatois on Saturday.
Ozzies survive Residents' comeback
Wednesday 24 October 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
A strong second half performance proved too little, too late for the Cook Islands Residents XIII team as the side went down to Cook Islands Australia (Ozzie) 18-24 in the second match of the Tri-Series on Wednesday at the BCI Stadium.
Residents win series opener
Monday 22 October 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
Cook Islands Residents came from behind to stun the defending champions Cook Islands Australia (Ozzies) in the Tri-Series rugby league opener on Saturday at the BCI Stadium in Nikao.
Exposure key for the champs
Monday 22 October 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
Defending champions Ozzie Cooks are eyeing exposure more than triumph in the biennial rugby league Tri-Series that starts today at the BCI Stadium in Nikao.
Residents wary of Tri challenge
Wednesday 17 October 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
The stage is set for the Tri-Series rugby league battle which starts this Saturday at the BCI Stadium in Nikao.
Three Kukis up against the Storm
Saturday 29 September 2018 | Written by Jaimie Keay | Published in League
Three Cook Islanders will be up against the storm when Sydney Roosters take on Melbourne in the NRL grand final tonight at 11.20pm (Cook Islands time).
Exciting battles loom in Club 15s semi-finals
Tuesday 18 September 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
Exciting battles will take place in the Rarotonga Club 15s semi-finals this weekend.
League squad urged to focus
Monday 20 August 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
National rugby league head coach Darren Piri and his assistant Bobby Hansen with women’s team coach Tai Ngairi are calling on all players to turn their focus back to the Tri Series after the Constitution celebration break.
League training to resume on Monday
Monday 20 August 2018 | Published in League
The Cook Islands Residents rugby league team’s training sessions will resume on Monday after the Constitution break.
Coaching combination impresses squad players
Saturday 28 July 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
The turnout at rugby league training for the upcoming Tri Series continues to impress Cook Islands Resident officials.
CIRLA pleased with Residents training
Tuesday 24 July 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
The Cook Islands Rugby League Association (CIRLA) is pleased with the Residents team’s preparation for the upcoming Tri Series.
Ngari appointed coach of women's league
Tuesday 24 July 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
Former national touch rep Tai Ngari has been appointed coach of the Cook Islands women’s rugby league side.
Panthers, Eels claim wins
Monday 23 July 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
Tupapa Panthers overcame a jittery start to get their 2018 rugby union season going on a high with a win against former champions Takuvaine Reds in round one of the competition over the weekend. In The Bond Store match of the week held on Saturday at the Happy Valley Field, Panthers put on an improved performance in the second spell to walk away with a 30-18 win in the Senior A battle, which was played under slippery conditions. In the other Senior A clash, defending champions Avatiu Nikao Eels overcame Arorangi Cowboys 15-0 at The Swamp. Panthers were left backpedalling as the determined-looking hosts made a strong start to head into a 3-0 lead from an early Viiga Ruepena penalty. But the visitors replied immediately from the boot of Othneil Joseph to level the score at three-all before a brilliant chip and chase from Ruepena gave the Reds a 10-3 lead. Panthers were continuously penalised for infringements in the ruck area and Ruepena cashed in on this after successfully kicking his second penalty to extend the lead to 13-3. A Sam Mataora-converted try and penalty from Joseph saw the Panthers fight their way back into the match to level terms 13-all at the break. Panthers were a much better side in the second half. They started playing with a bit of rhythm and made some superb breaks to score two tries against the run of play to put themselves in the driving seat. Midfielder Jovilisi Naqitawa scored from the kickoff and shortly after a desperate Panthers clearance kick from their own red-zone fell in their favour as a fumble by the Reds defence allowed busy flanker Filipo Schmidt to sneak in for the team’s third try. Lanky Thomas Toa sealed the Panthers’ win with the team’s fourth try in the final quarter of the match but the Reds ensured that they had the final say with winger Joshua Koroi crossing the line for a consolation try. Reds were unlucky to lose 18-30, as they created plenty of opportunities but lacked the execution to turn those chances into much-needed points. “They (Reds) showed plenty of heart and were unlucky not to score on several occasions, including being held up over the tryline and also a player dropping the ball on the tryline after hitting into the side of the goalposts when diving over,” Cook Islands Rugby Union development manager Ben Koteka said. Standout players for the Reds were skilful utility back Ruepena, hooker Murare John and loose forward Tautua Solomona. For the Panthers, prop John Vano, loose forward Thomas Toa and left winger Rangi Piri put on an impressive performance. More photos from Saturday’s game on p14. Results: Tupapa Panthers: 30 - Tries: Sam Mataora, Jovilisi Naqitawa, Filipo Schmidt, Thomas Toa; Conv: Othneil Joseph (2); Pen: Othneil Joseph (2). Takuvaine Reds: 18 - Tries: Viiga Ruepena, Joshua Koroi; Conv: Viiga Ruepena; Pen: Viiga Ruepena (2). Avatiu Eels 15 v Arorangi Cowboys 0. (Avatiu Eels led 12-nil at halftime.)
Piri & Hansen league co-coaches
Tuesday 10 July 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
Darren Piri and Bobby Hansen have been appointed co-coaches of the Cook Islands Residents rugby league team for the Tri-Series in October this year.
Residents prep for league series
Saturday 7 July 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
The Cook Islands Residents team’s preparations for the biennial rugby league Tri-Series are getting underway from Monday.
Marsters cherishes Kiwi moment
Tuesday 3 July 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
Despite making a losing debut for the Kiwis about a fortnight ago, Cook Islander Esan Marsters is upbeat about better days ahead in the black jumper.
