Carlson re-elected as president

Charles Carlson regained the Cook Islands Rugby League (CIRL) presidency for another year at the organisations annual general meeting this week.

Carlson said there was a sizable crowd at the CIRL meeting on Monday night, filling him and the executive committee with enthusiasm for the coming year.

We had the best turn out to an AGM for a long time which reflects the big buzz about rugby league in the Cooks and most importantly there was a very good vibe and excitement among the clubs, Carlson said.

Prime Minister Henry Puna is continuing on in his role as the CIRLs patrol, with minister Mark Brown the vice patron.

In the other executive positions are Navy Epati as vice president, Eddie Drollet as secretary, Nga Takaiti as treasurer and Kevin Iro as international commissioner.

Carlson said 2011 had been one of the busiest years CIRL had experienced.

Rugby league in the Cook Islands is no longer your typical four months commitment to the local competition, Carlson said.

For some of us, it has become a full year commitment that comes with its own demand and challenges.

A lot of unwarranted criticism has been pointed at the executives without realising the enormous commitment and countless hours spent behind the scene to make things happen. I do admit, we dont have all the answers and certainly fall short in some areas.

However, rather than pointing the finger and criticising the team, why not come up with solutions and lend a helping hand to help make rugby league the more success.

After all, we do this voluntary because of the passion we all have for the game and I certainly look forward to the day when we have full time paid staff and secured ongoing funding to run the organisation.