Cook Islands Residents team is all pumped ahead of the Mantis-Hoff Cup Tri Nations Series on the Gold Coast, Australia, today.

The Clive Nicholas-coached side will on Ozzy Cooks at 10.10am (Australian time) in its first match followed by Melbourne Cook Islands at 12.15pm and Gold Coast Kuki Airani in the final match at 2.30pm.

Nicholas told Cook Islands News that the Residents’ chances against the overseas teams were good.

“When they are under the tutelage or coaching under people who have the same knowledge, drive and passion as mine and my manager then they will do good and even dominate. We have the players in the islands all we need is proper coaching and guidance,” he said.

The Residents are also feeling excited and inspired after a special visit from high-profile coaches ahead of this weekend’s tournament.

Brisbane Broncos legend, Queensland Maroons, and Australia Kangaroos representative, Karmichael Hunt, joined the team for a dynamic training session this week.

Hunt, who serves as the head coach for the Cook Islands Test team, as well as Souths Logan Magpies in the Hostplus Cup, shared his expertise with the local players, offering fresh insights to elevate their game.

Nicholas expressed the impact of the session, stating, “These are things we already know and have been working on with our local teams, like Avatiu Eels and even the Cook Islands Nines at last year’s Pacific Games. But having someone of Karmichael Hunt’s stature come in and give full detail not only adds another level of understanding but confirms what we’ve been building on. His presence means a lot to the boys.”

Hunt took over almost the full hour of training, which Nicholas described as an honour for both himself and assistant coach Dion Nepia. The former Queenslander’s guidance offered valuable insight and pushed the players to strive for more. The session, Nicholas says, has given the team the motivation they need going into the weekend’s competition.

Adding further expertise to the squad’s preparation were Ezra Howe, head recruitment agent for the Titans and part of the Kiwis coaching board, and Clive Arona, close friends of Nicholas. Their support has brought a new level of professionalism and dedication to the team.

Also lending their help behind the scenes were Kevin Dando and his wife Tupe, ensuring that the team’s preparations ran smoothly. Their efforts have made the build-up to the Mantis-Hoff Cup even more meaningful for the players, who are now heading into the competition with a renewed sense of focus and determination.