Riding high after last week’s win over Avatiu Nikao Eels, defending champions Tupapa Panthers will be hoping to take the lead for the first time in the Cook Islands Rugby League 13s competition this afternoon.

The Panthers will take on Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles at Nukupure Park at 4.30pm.

After ending the Eels’ unbeaten run last week, the Darren Piri coached side can take the lead in the premier men’s division if they beat the Sea Eagles. The Eels are on bye this weekend.

Piri said: “After last week’s game and win, the team’s morale has been good, we will keep on playing. We expect a good game and try and improve from last week’s match.

“We encourage spectators to come and support the team.”

Meanwhile the Lady Panthers extended their lead and unbeaten streak after overcoming defending champions Lady Bulldogs 30-10 yesterday.

Team co-captain Kiana Sword-Tua said: “As a team we’ve worked really hard especially within the last two weeks due being on a bye, to come together and work on our areas of play.”

“We came with a game plan and a fair idea of what we wanted to do, and for the most part we did that. You can see a huge improvement from both sides compared to round one and it’s encouraging to see how quickly our women’s rugby is developing and adapting.”

Fixtures

Nukupure Park 11am Juniors, 1pm U14 Sea Eagles-Panthers, 2pm U14 Bears-Eels, 3pm U19 Bears-Eels, Premier Men 4.30pm Sea Eagles-Panthers