Supriya Ghosh (Editor)

Rugby league in the Cook Islands

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Country
  
Cook Islands

First played
  
1980

National team
  
Cook Islands

Rugby league is a popular team sport played in the Cook Islands.

Contents

History

Officially the club rugby league competition commenced 1980. The first international match was played against Niue at the 1986 Pacific Cup which was hosted in Rarotonga and also included teams from Samoa, Tonga, NZ Maori and Tokelau. In the mid 1990s rugby league in the Cook Islands received significant funding through the SuperLeague organisation. Traditionally, much of the rugby league played by Cook Islanders has been in Australia and New Zealand where there are strong Cook Island populations. In recent times, this has changed considerably.

In more recent times, Cook Islands rugby league has received a major boost through the involvement of former professional rugby league players Kevin Iro and Matt Rua - both native Cook Islanders - in the form of selector and defensive coach for the national side. Both players represented New Zealand internationally and played many NRL games.

Staff

  • President, Cook Islands Rugby League: Charles Carlson
  • Selectors: Kevin Iro, Charles Carlson, Ina Konito and No'ora Samuela
  • RLIF Representative: Kevin Iro
  • Head Coach: Ina Konito
  • Defensive Coach: Matt Rua
  • Attacking Coach: Kevin Iro
  • Current players of Cook Island descent

    Troy Dargan

    Josh Papalii

    Joseph Manu

    Nathaniel Peteru

    Zeb Taia

    Sione Katoa

    James Tamou

    Marata Niukore

    Tepai Moeroa

    Paul Ulberg

    Tinirau Arona

    Francis Molo

    Anthony Gelling

    Brad Takairangi

    Chance Peni

    Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

    Frank Pritchard

    Tere Glassie

    Keith Lulia

    Dylan Napa

    Alex Glenn

    Joseph Tapine

    Isaac John

    Sam Mataora

    Tinirau Arona

    Tupou Sopoaga

    Valentine Holmes

    Kenny Edwards

    Drury Low

    Jordan Rapana

    Zane Tetevano

    Dominique Peyroux

    Tupou Sopoaga

    Notable players

  • Kevin Iro
  • Adam Watene
  • Matt Rua
  • John Whittaker
  • Tiri Toa
  • Meti Noovao
  • Riki Cowan
  • Tony Iro
  • Karmichael Hunt
  • Denvour Johnston
  • Ali Davys
  • Aaron Cannings
  • Karl Temata
  • Ben Vaeau
  • George Tuakura
  • Frank Watene
  • Kane Epati
  • Leroy Joe
  • Dana Wilson
  • Tyrone Pau
  • Competition

    The domestic Cook Islands rugby league competition for 2010 begins on 5 February with the following teams competing:

    Teams

  • Titikaveka Bulldogs
  • Tupapa Panthers
  • Avatiu Eels
  • Takuvaine Warriors - juniors only
  • Arorangi Bears
  • Aitutaki Sharks - senior team only
  • Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles
  • Winners

  • 1994 Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles
  • 1995 Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles
  • 1996 Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles
  • 1997 Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles
  • 1998 Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles - 26-25 - Titikaveka Bulldogs
  • 1999 Avatiu Eels - bt - Arorangi Bears
  • 2000
  • 2001 Titikaveka Bulldogs - 33-8 - Aviatu Eels
  • 2002 Titikaveka Bulldogs
  • 2003 Arorangi Bears - 35-34 - Tupapa Panthers
  • 2004 Avatiu Eels - 14-8 - Tupapa Panthers
  • 2005 Tupapa Panthers - 24-12 - Titikaveka Bulldogs
  • 2006 Avatiu Eels - 28-24 - St.George Pitbulls
  • 2007 Avatiu Eels - 22-17 - Arorangi Bears
  • 2008 Tupapa Panthers - 21-6 - Avatiu Eels
  • 2009 Tupapa Panthers - 25-16 - Avatiu Eels
  • 2010 Avatiu Eels - 28-16- Tupapa Panthers
  • 2011 Avatiu Eels
  • 2012 Titikaveka Bulldogs 9-8 Avatiu Eels
  • Other representative sides

    In 2005 the Cook Islands Rugby League Avaiki XIII Tri Series was played between three Cook Island sides (Australian Cook Island Style, NZ Cooks and a Resident XIII). The winners of the series were the Australian Cook Islands Style team. This was used to select the national side that drew a three match series with the New Zealand Māori

    Results

    NZ Cooks v Resident XIII, 25 November 2005

    Australian Cook Island Style 26 NZ Cooks 14

    Australian Cook Island Style 24 Residents XIII 18, 18 November 2005 changed

    References

    Rugby league in the Cook Islands Wikipedia