Cook Islands rugby league head coach Tony Iro will assist the Pacific Games coach Clive Nicholas with their train on squad at 5pm today at Aretere Park in Avatiu.

Iro coached the national squad to the Rugby League World Cup last year in England and is currently the pathway manager for the New Zealand Warriors programmes across New Zealand.

He is visiting Rarotonga this week.

Coach Clive Nicholas, who will be assisted by manager Wallace Aroita, has named a training squad however, he would like to encourage others interested in making the squad to attend the training.

“If you’re interested in participating, feel free to attend,” Nicholas said.

“We want to see players that are committed to the Pacific Games and not there to make the numbers.”

Nicholas will include some overseas-based players that are specialists in specific positions to help beef up the squad.

“We want to see many of our local players make the squad however, we are going there to win a medal, so we want to take the best of the best.”

Nicholas was part of the national rugby league team that last won a medal in Pacific Games in 2009.

“I know what it takes to get there. It’s an opportunity for our local players to expose themselves to a different level of competition and we want to make this opportunity count.

“Monday’s session is more like a meet and greet session where we want to identify players who are interested and available to represent Cook Islands at the Pacific Games.

“All those mentioned and named is to show up so we identify who is interested. If you can’t make it then please contact myself on 53205.”

President of the Cook Islands Rugby League Charles Carlson is pleased with Iro’s availability and hope the players will show some respect and commitment by attending the training.

“We are fortunate to have Tony here with us for the week and be able to share his knowledge and experience with our local squad,” said Carlson.

“We are also thankful for his brother Kevin Iro who is helping out with our women league squad.”

The 2023 Pacific Games will be held in the Solomon Islands in November.

Train On squad – Adyn Kapi, Brian Akava, Daniel Toa, Eric Newbigging, Leo Roa, Joshua Motu, Jacque Henry, Toru Katuke, Thomas Daniels, Tangi Akava, Ioane Moore, Beau Daniels, Ryan Daniels, Nia Remuera Jnr, Alistair Newbigging, Troy Matutu.