Cook Islands Residents will focus on ball possession in today’s Cook Islands Rugby League Tri Nations Series final match against Tokouso- Samoa/Tonga Residents at Aretere Park in Avatiu.

Coach Clive Nicholas said the team’s preparation had been the best “everyone has committed and have been putting in their input into restoring pride into their jersey”.

“Focus has always been to play our game and from the Tabusoro game we learnt that if you give away the ball and possession you will pay the consequences because just like ‘Tabusoro’, the ‘Tokouso’ squad has runners all over.”

Cook Islands Residents defeated Tabusoro –Fiji Residents in the Tri Series opener 40-22, while Tokouso also defeated Tabusoro in the second match 36-24.

Tokouso defeated Fiji 36-24 in game two. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU / 23061014

Tokouso team official Okesene Moananu said they won’t have much of a change from last week’s match against Tabusoro.

He said the emphasis is really on them, staying composed, sticking to their plan, and making less mistakes.

“Whoever can control the ball better, and defend well will have the advantage tomorrow (today),” Moananu said.

The Tri Series is a boost for the Cook Islands side as Nicholas prepares a team, select players for the Pacific Games in Solomon Islands in November this year. Cook Islands will field men and women teams in the Games’ Nines competition.

When asked Nicholas if he would consider players from the Tokouso side who have Cook Islands links and are eligible to represent the country, he said: “We have players also that’s giving Tokouso a hand, I say that in the end it’s their choice and have voiced to Cook Islands Rugby League (CIRL) to leave it.”

“Otherwise, where would they play because my squad is full which is very awesome to see.”

Nicholas said this showed their depth locally is big and all CIRL needed to do is look for fixtures for them to keep playing and developing.

“CIRL seriously needs to look after our interest in the league also not just the Australia lot otherwise no one will want to play league.

“Our time was tough because CIRL gave us a lot to look forward to and train towards like the touring teams from overseas and the end of the year Tri Series against NZ Cooks and Ozzie Cooks.”

He said he can’t see that happening anymore “so there got to be something else”.

“This Tri Series is awesome initially but we want more like outside (competition) or interest from abroad ... we want our locals building their game.

“Otherwise, our boys will leave. Our potential in footy whether union or league is huge. We’ve got a rich history of locals playing against the best in the world and some going on to bigger things. Why are we stopping now?” he added.

The Cook Islands Residents versus theTokouso- Samoa/Tonga Residents match will kick off at 4pm. The Conan’s Cup clash between champions Country and Town kicks off at 2.30pm.