Rugby League In The Cook Islands Article Index for
Rugby League
Website Links For
Rugby League
 

Information About

Rugby League In The Cook Islands





POPULARITY



History

The Cook Islands’ were introduced to rugby league in 1988 when the national team played it first fixture against the New Zealand Maori team. In the mid 1990s Rugby League in the Cook Islands received significant funding through the SuperLeague organisation however money from this source is no longer available. Also a fall in the population has made it difficult to muster rugby league playing numbers in the Cook Islands themselves. Much of the rugby league played by Cook Islanders has been in Australia and New Zealand where there are strong Cook Island populations.

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 Matty 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.


THE NATIONAL TEAM

See Also: Cook Islands national rugby league team




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.


Results

NZ Cooks v Resident XIII, November 25, 2005

Australian Cook Island Style 26 NZ Cooks 14

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


COMPETITION

The domestic Cook Islands rugby league competition for 2006 begins on February 3 . The following teams are competing: {Link without Title}

  • Titikaveka Bulldogs

  • Tupapa Panthers

  • Avatiu/Nikao Eels

  • Tupapa Panthers

  • St George Pitbulls

  • Avarua Warriors

  • Arorangi Bears

  • Aitutaki Sharks




SOURCES