Titikaveka Bulldogs are ready to get their boots dirty today when they take on arch-rivals and neighbours Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles in the opening match of the 2024 Cook Islands Rugby League 13s competition this afternoon.

With a majority of their players from the Nines in Paradise Tournament held earlier in the year, the Bulldogs are ready to take on the Sea Eagles at Victoria Park in Tupapa at 5pm.

Bulldogs official Tereapii Tumutoa said the players are ready and raring to compete in the Cook Islands Rugby League 13s competition.

Tumutoa said while preparations have been “real slow”, the young coaching staff, which includes Mark Tuaati as head coach and Nadave Tereapii assisting, has been an extra boost for the team.

“They have both been an extra boost of energy for the team. Putting in a lot of time and effort into preparation for our first game against our country brothers the Sea Eagles.”

Players in the team include the likes of Timothy Tangirere set to lead the pack, Apisaloma Natobavivi (Bizz) who will be protecting the Bulldogs’ last line of defence with his “eagle eyes”, and the hard-running beast brother combination of Teava and young Ewen Iro.

Tumutoa also highlighted Reverend Zac Hosea as a player to watch out for “as he would be running all day”.

The Bulldogs are still looking at local talent and investing in young players while they have the support of the Fiji and Samoan boys who made Teimurimotia their home.

The team also welcomes additional players from Fiji if the opportunity and support arise from sponsors.

“But for now, our Titikaveka Bulldogs family is made mostly out of our Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) brothers,” says Tumutoa.

The team is calling on the Vaka Takitumu community to come along and support their “country brothers” as they battle it out for victory in today’s clash.

“Wear your blue and maroon and cheer on the boys from Titikaveka and Ngatangiia,” Tumutoa said. “And Teimurimotia if you have time on Saturday (tomorrow) come on down and support the Lady Bulldogs as they take on Lady Panthers. Tag the Bulldogs team with #donttalkaboutitbeaboutit.”

Cook Islands Rugby League (CIRL) secretary Francis Toa earlier said that the Sea Eagles, under the guidance of Deon Nepia, and the Bulldogs, under the guidance of national representative Mark Tuaati, have been working hard to get their players up to scratch.

Fixtures

Today at Victoria Park – 5pm Premier Men Bulldogs vs Sea Eagles;

Saturday at Victoria Park – 12pm Junior Development (six years to 12 years old), 2.15pm U14 Panthers vs Sea Eagles, 3.15pm U16 Panthers vs Bears, 4.15pm Women’s Panthers vs Bulldogs, 5pm Premier Panthers vs Bears.