The inaugural Cook Islands Rugby League Tri Nations Series will kick off this afternoon with the Conan’s Cup match between the Country and the Town women’s teams at Victoria Park in Tupapa at 4pm.

Defending champions Country will look to retain the Cook Islands Women’s Rugby League Conan’s Cup title for the second time.

Cook Islands Rugby League secretary and competitions coordinator Francis Toa said this is the second time the championship is taking place.

Toa said it was held last year as a means for women to play rugby league after the domestic 13s season was called off due to Covid pandemic.

Tehinnah Tatuava, who was the lone Cook Islands based player included in the Cook Islands Moana team for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup played in England in 2022, will be leading the Country team this afternoon.

Country will feature players from the champion Lady Bears side and former champions Lady Bulldogs.

Tatuava said the team’s training had been great and they have had great numbers and commitment from their players.

“So far preparation is good and girls are hungry and ready for the Conan’s Cup to start. We are looking forward to the game, and looking to just have fun. We are ready.”

Town’s Maeva Poaru said their training for today’s match had also been good.

Poaru said it was good to have both the town teams, Panthers and Eels, joining arms with some Takuvaine girls to form the team.

She said the ladies have put their heart into the game and have put their hands up to represent the Town team.

“Numbers of women coming for training has increased, it’s a big plus for the team and management is doing all they can to put a team together, especially in this short timeframe that we’ve had post domestic season,” Poaru said.

“But everyone is looking forward to the game. Hope we will have a good crowd to come and support the women’s league.”

Poaru did not participate last year as she was away but she is glad to lead Town in this year’s series.

The Conan’s Cup series is held in honour of a man who had a passion for league, the late Colin (Conan) Ngari Munokoa-Tini.

Remembered “as the big man with the big heart”, Munokoa-Tini was the eldest son of former MP for Nikao, Ngamau Munokoa and her husband Ngari, and passed away at the age of 45 in 2010.

He was a former president of the Arorangi Bears Rugby League Club, a huge supporter of the Avatiu Eels Rugby League Club, and was heavily involved in the referee’s association and junior development.