Kiwi Cook Islanders ready for test

They may be younger than their local opponents, but count the New Zealand Cook Islands under 12 rugby league side out at your peril.

The team of 15 made up mostly from the South Auckland region has been playing rugby league in New Zealand for the last three years.

Half of the original team, made up in 2009, remain in the team.

Team coach Junior Upoko said the team are a mixed bunch with the common bond of Cook Islands lineage.

“In our team we have kids who are half Cook Islander and half-Samoan, half-Tongan and a lot of half New Zealand Maori boys,” Upoko said.

As for the team, they have had one practice and have found adapting to the warmer climate one of the struggles ahead of last night’s first tour match against the Cook Islands under 13 side.

Having scouted their opponents at an organised training session, players from the Kiwi camp noted their opponents were “skinnier” and “faster”.

“They look pretty basic,” 12-year-old Jaylamont Upoko quipped.

Some of the players, such as the sole 13-year-old in the team, Campbell Taniwha, took time soaked up the culture, while 12-year-old Pinomi Tuliakiono said the trip was a chance to see his extended family from Manihiki.

The first match between the two sides got underway yesterday at 4.30pm, with a further two matches to be played throughout the next few days ahead of their departure next Thursday.