Cook Islands Rugby League women’s competition officially kicks off today at Nukupure Park in Ngatangiia with the Lady Panthers taking on the Lady Bears.

Competition coordinator Francis (Franky) Toa said they have had to resort to a 9s competition due to the continuous shortage of players.

“With only two clubs in this division and the continuous player shortage issue, we have relegated the match from a 13s game to a 9s to start it off between the Bears and Panthers.”

Lady Panthers’ Julz Westrupp said this year is proving to be a struggle for them as they continue to look for players.

“2025 proves to be a struggle finding women to play for various reasons,” Westrupp said.

“Lady Panthers had to request a 9s competition because of that.”

Westrupp says the start of netball season adds to the challenges.

The team will be coached by Lualua Tua and will be captained by Rima Browne.

The women’s exhibition games at the beginning of the season were only friendly matches to encourage more women to play.

Earlier, Toa said she wanted clubs to let her know if they were going to have a women’s team for the league competition. The Titikaveka Bulldogs were the first to indicate that they would not be competing with a women’s team this year.

The Arorangi Bears, Tupapa Panthers and the Avatiu Eels women’s teams were left to confirm.

“It is a bit of a struggle, this 2025, for women’s rugby league, and a lot of it is all around player availability.”

The second round of the domestic rugby league 13s competition for premier men’s teams started yesterday.

The Arorangi Bears bounced back from their round one loss to beat the high flying Titikaveka Bulldogs 30-22 at Nukupure Park in Ngatangiia yesterday. MELINA ETCHES/ 25031447 / 25131448 / 25031449 / 25031451 / 25031452 / 25031453 / 25031454 / 25031456

The Arorangi Bears bounced back from their round one loss to beat the high flying Titikaveka Bulldogs 30-22 at Nukupure Park in Ngatangiia yesterday.

In today’s matches, defending champions Avatiu Nikao Eels will face the winless Takuvaine (TKV) Warriors.

Warrior coach Afato Ioane said the players have been training hard.

However, Ioane said that sometimes what they’re aiming for doesn’t show up on the field.

“There are not all league players but I am proud of them for stepping up and wanting to represent Takuvaine.”

Fixtures

Men’s Eels vs Warriors 3.30pm; Sea Eagles vs Panthers 5pm; Women’s Lady Bear vs Lady Panther- 3.10pm.