The domestic rugby league 13s defending champions, the Avatiu Nikao Eels are not taking their round two match against the Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles this afternoon lightly, despite a stunning start to the season last weekend.

The Eels thumped the returning Takuvaine (TKV) Warriors 60-4 at Nukupure Park in Ngatangiia last week.

Nukupure Park will again host this afternoon’s match after wet weather forced Cook Islands Rugby League officials to move it from Aretere Park in Avatiu.

The Sea Eagles lost to Tupapa Panthers 12-28 last week while Titikaveka Bulldogs surprised Arorangi Bears 22-20 in the other round one premier men’s clash.

Eels coach Clive Nicholas yesterday told Cook Islands News: “Yes, we are looking forward to tomorrow’s game, but we are not taking Ngatangiia lightly, they have beaten us in the past.”

“They can show up on a good day and beat any team, we are not taking them lightly.”

Nicholas said that despite having a shortage of players for today’s match, as some are injured and one has returned to Australia, fans will see the likes of Joshua Koroi returning to the field.

Jeremiah Tutangata, who played for the club in the 2024 rugby union season, is expected to feature for the side.

Nicholas said they are planning to get players from overseas, but the final decision rests with the club executives.

The no-nonsense coach emphasised the need for club players to be loyal, as some players, after receiving club support, tend to leave. Consequently, some clubs have had no choice but to look abroad – to import players.

Nicholas said it was unfortunate that the Eels players could not play on their home ground today but sent a big meitaki maata to the Sea Eagles for hosting the games.

Sea Eagles manager Daina Kataina said last week’s match was an opportunity to see how they could progress and improve as a team.

During their training this week, they focused just on that: “Getting it right.”

“I trust in the process of what our coach and our team will be delivering and we are very much looking forward to our game against Avatiu,” Kataina said.

“I wish all the teams the best of luck in their games. Play hard, play fair and play in the spirit of rugby league.

“I would like to make a call out to our community and league fans to come on down to Nukupure Park for an action-packed day from 9am with our junior development leading up to the main match Avatiu versus Sea Eagles.”

Fixtures

Today –U10/U8/U6- junior development 9.20am; U12- 10.20am; U14: Eels vs Sea Eagles 11.20am; U16: 12.20pm; U19: 1.30pm. Women’s Mix 1 red vs mix 2 Blue: 2.45pm; men’s Panthers vs bears- 3.30pm; Eels vs Sea Eagles 5pm.