League
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.
Marsters set for Kiwis debut
Monday 18 June 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
Cook Islander Esan Marsters is set to make his debut for the Kiwis after being included in the New Zealand side for the Test match against England on June 23 in Denver.
Kukis contracted to NRL women's comp
Monday 18 June 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) has revealed 20 female marquee players, including three Cook Islanders, for the new Women’s NRL Competition.
Panthers rule league finale
Tuesday 5 June 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
It was so close. Just inches away from a fairytale end to what has been an incredible season for the Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles.
Grand final: Sea Eagles or Panthers?
Saturday 2 June 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
Daniel Toa was frank with his reply when asked if he thought Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles would have made it to the grand final given their poor form at the start of the season.
Eels, Panthers to do battle in reserve final
Friday 1 June 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
Avatiu Nikao Eels will have a lot to fight for when they take on Tupapa Panthers in the premier reserve grade final tomorrow at the BCI Stadium.
Bears, Bulldogs out to maintain pride
Wednesday 30 May 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
Their senior teams may be out of contention for the premiership title but Arorangi Bears and Titikaveka Bulldogs still have a lot to fight for in the domestic rugby league final this weekend.
Sea Eagles on a mission
Tuesday 29 May 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
The Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles are on a mission. And there was no stopping them in the domestic rugby league competition.
Sea Eagles through to final
Monday 28 May 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
The Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles’ dream run in the domestic rugby league competition has continued after another blockbusting performance over the weekend.
