The 2025 League Nines in Paradise is set to be the biggest event since its inception nine years ago, with nine men’s and five women’s teams from Cook Islands and New Zealand set to battle this week.

The annual tournament to be held over three days will kick off this Thursday at the National Stadium in Nikao.

For the first time, the tournament, viewed as a preseason for the domestic league competition, will include overseas teams.

New Zealand-based Tokoroa Pacific Sharks and Ngati Umutahi will feature in the men’s competition, while defending champions Raukawa Kuki’s return to defend the title alongside Ngati Umutahi in the women’s competition.

Cook Islands Rugby League general secretary Francis Toa (Franky) said this year’s tournament would feature the highest number of teams in the men’s and women’s division.

Toa said the overseas teams would feature a mixture of Cook Islanders and players of other heritages.

She hoped the inclusion of overseas teams would improve the level of competition.

The local teams have been training through the festive season, and according to Toa, there was significantly more awareness from the Rarotonga clubs compared to past years.

“This is a result of local players who have represented us regionally and internationally, they have come back and have been key drivers within the clubs to initiate the preparations and getting everyone together,” said Toa, who is also the competition coordinator.

“While we understand everyone might still be in holiday mode, this is also the perfect time to have a competition of this level (to get the league season underway).”

The TKV Warriors from Takuvaine will return to the competition, while the Nikao Roosters will make their debut in the men’s division.

The Roosters will be coached by former national rep and mentor Walter Tangata.

Toa said the Roosters would feature players from the area who do not make it onto the Avatiu Eels side, which normally represents the village.

Defending champions Eels, coached by Clive Nicholas, will be the top bet this weekend.

“The Roosters are not a separate club from Avatiu Nikao Eels but will feature surplus players from the area. They will surely spice up the competition.”

Toa said they were also excited with the return of TKV Warriors guided by Afato Ioane.

“For TKV, player unavailability was their biggest challenge because when the club fell apart, their players went and joined the neighbouring Tupapa and Avatiu clubs,” she said.

“TKV have been recruiting a lot of ex-players back and were interested to return. They did well at the 7s and hoping they will mimic on the same structure for the 9s.”

In the women’s competition, Vaine Toa, a team comprising top local players, will spearhead the local campaign alongside the Arorangi Bears and Tupapa Panthers.

The tournament will also feature exhibition matches between the women’s development teams Maine Tueporo Black and Maine Tueporo White.

In the under-18 category, a new winner will be crowned after defending champions Tupapa Panthers withdrew due to a lack of players.

Meanwhile, on day two of the tournament on Friday, the CK Athletic Development will run a Junior Rugby League Clinic at the National Stadium from 9am to 12 noon.

The programme will be run by Cook Islands internationals Kiana Takairangi, Zane Tetevano, Brad Takairangi, Tiana Penitani and Corban Baxter.

Toa said the programme provided an excellent opportunity for children to learn the sport in a fun environment. Parents are requested to register their children.

Based in the Sutherland Shire, CK Athletic Development was created to provide individuals of all ages the opportunity to develop their athletic abilities through professional training.

Founders Corban Baxter and Kiana Takairangi combine their experience and knowledge as they aim to inspire, guide and support their athletes to reach their goals and be better people both on and off the field.

CK Athletic Development said: “Our coaching crew has grown and are so excited to share their knowledge and experience with the next generation of Cook Islands stars.”

“First 100 kids to register will receive a CK Athletic shirt!” Visit www.ckathletic.com.au for more information.