Lady Panthers are ready to defend their Cook Islands Rugby League Nines in Paradise trophy this weekend with a strong line-up including Pacific Games gold medallists Kiana Sword-Tua and June Willie.

The team started their training last month (December 2023) and club president Julieanne (Julz) Westrupp says that, with players moving to other clubs and migrating overseas, they are tight on numbers.

But she said: “We have a core group that have stayed on to represent their village with pride.”
Westrupp said the players to look out for will be returning 2023 Pacific Games gold medallists, Kiana Sword Tua and June Willie. 

Other players, also from the Pacific Games, include Rima Browne and Vaine Lisa Aroita who played for the Cook Islands women’s 7s team. Westrupp and her daughter Tashi Kopu along with Browne represented the country in touch rugby. 

Lady Panthers coach Koa Kopu said he is happy that their small core have stayed on to represent their village, and they continue to invite any other ladies who would like to learn the game and play for Tupapa.

Kopu also said he is excited to hear an overseas team will be participating and welcome back to Avatiu. 

The two-day Nines in Paradise tournament featuring men’s, women’s and U18 teams will kick off tomorrow at the National Stadium in Nikao.

Cook Islands Rugby League secretary Francis Toa said there are five women’s teams – including a team from New Zealand, known as the Raukawa Kukis, made up of Cook Island players – and five men’s teams competing. The U18s competition will feature three teams.

Toa said the tournament will kick off at 2pm tomorrow and 1pm on Saturday.

In the women’s division, Toa said she looked forward to seeing the overseas team’s play as it would show Cook Islands standard of play when facing them.

For the men’s, Toa said she looked forward to the Avatiu Nikao Eels defending their title as they have always fronted a strong and aggressive team

“It will be interesting to see how the other teams perform. Interested to see how the Arorangi Bears play as they are our champions for the League 13s.

“Also see how the Bears and Panthers will find a way to topple Eels, but don’t put away the Bulldogs and Sea Eagles because they have a lot of grassroots players that are back home to play for them.”