Rugby league
The year in sports 2023
Sunday 31 December 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Boxing, Cricket, Cycling, Fishing, Football, Golf, Handball, League, Netball, Pacific Games, Paddling, Rugby league, Rugby Union, Running, Sailing, Sports, Swimming, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball
2023 has been a testament to the dedication and talent of Cook Islands athletes across various sports. Cook Islands News’ Losirene Lacanivalu delves into some of the most remarkable sporting achievements that made headlines in 2023.
Love pours in for late NRL player
Friday 29 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby league, Sports
The family of NRL player Troy Dargan, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident on Christmas Eve in Aitutaki, has shared a heartfelt message expressing their gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received.
Hunt named new Kuki coach
Tuesday 10 October 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Rugby league, Rugby Union, Sports
Having been robbed of the chance to represent his Cook Island heritage on the playing field two years ago, Karmichael Hunt is relishing his new role as the country’s head coach.
Cook Islands Rugby Union: ‘Unruly sideline behaviour will not be tolerated’
Friday 6 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Rugby league, Rugby Union, Sports
The Cook Islands Rugby Union (CIRU) is sending a clear message to all rugby fans: Unruly sideline behaviour will not be tolerated. This message is not only for the Raro 7s tournament which starts this afternoon, but for all future rugby events.
Sword-Tua set to make international rugby league debut for Cook Islands
Thursday 5 October 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby league, Sports
Tupapa Panthers’ Kiana Sword-Tua is the lone Rarotonga-based player named in the Cook Islands Vaine Moana team for the inaugural Pacific Championships which kicks off next week.
CI Residents eye Series title
Saturday 23 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Rugby league, Sports
Cook Islands Residents will be hoping to beat defending champions Tabusoro Fiji Residents by more than 12 points to claim their first ever Vodafone-Tri Nations 15s Series.
Tough road to World Cup
Saturday 5 August 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby league, Sports
Cook Islands’ bid to qualify for the next Rugby League World Cup has become more difficult following the sport’s international governing body’s decision to reduce the number of teams by six to 10 in the 2026 tournament.
Willison was in Broncos line-up
Tuesday 4 July 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Rugby league, Sports
Cook Islands Rugby League has proven that Cook Islanders can compete at the elite level by qualifying at the last Rugby League World Cup, says League president Charles Carlson.
Good Rugby Exchange between Papeete and the Panthers
Saturday 1 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Rugby league, Sports
Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers defeated visitors Papeete Rugby club 28 – 20 in a friendly match this week. Melina Etches reports.
League turns focus to Pacific Games
Saturday 24 June 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Rugby league, Sports
The Cook Islands rugby league men’s team to the 2023 Pacific Games in November is aiming to bring home a medal after going down in the inaugural Tri Nations Series decider a week ago.
Conan’s Cup holders Country beats Town in series opener
Friday 2 June 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Rugby league, Sports
Defending champions Country are off a good start in the annual Conan’s Cup women’s rugby league series.
Matapo joins IRL advisory group
Friday 2 June 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby league, Sports
Cook Islands Rugby League official and former representative player Peggy Matapo has been appointed to the International Rugby League Women and Girls Advisory Group.
Town, Country ready for Conan’s Cup
Friday 2 June 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Rugby league, Sports
The inaugural Cook Islands Rugby League Tri Nations Series will kick off this afternoon with the Conan’s Cup match between the Country and the Town women’s teams at Victoria Park in Tupapa at 4pm.
The ‘voice’ of the Bears
Friday 26 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, Rugby league, Sports, Weekend
She is a woman, she is a mother, and she is also the Arorangi Bears passionate supporter and president.
Rarotonga names squad for Tri Series
Tuesday 16 May 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Rugby league, Sports
The following players have been asked to attend training at Avatiu Field at 5pm this afternoon.
Bears dedicate 13s win to village and supporters
Tuesday 16 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Rugby league, Sports
Cook Islands Rugby League 13s premier men’s champions, Arorangi Bear have paid tribute to their village and supporters for backing them through the 2023 season.
‘We’re champions’: Lady Bears complete rare double in women’s 13s competition
Saturday 13 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Rugby league, Sports
They came, they saw, they conquered. Lady Bears were yesterday crowned the Cook Islands Rugby League 13s women’s champions for the first time after defeating Lady Panthers 28-16 in the final held at Nukupure Park in Ngatangiia.
Claws are out, it’s showdown time!
Friday 12 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Rugby league, Sports
Lady Bears will enter the Cook Islands Rugby League 13s final as hot favourites against Lady Panthers at Nukupure Park in Ngatangiia this afternoon. But both captains believe ‘final is anyone’s game’ as they prepare to lead their sides in the much-anticipated showdown.
Rugby training for youngsters
Tuesday 9 May 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Rugby league, Sports
More than 300 primary and high school students will be part of a rugby competition in the 2023 Rising Stars Championship.
Top four battle in league
Saturday 29 April 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Rugby league, Sports
Close and exciting battles are expected in the Cook Islands Rugby League 13s competition playoffs when the top four premier men’s teams clash at Aretere Park in Avatiu this afternoon.
