League prepares for historic clash

Rugby league fans in Rarotonga are eagerly awaiting today’s opening clash between the Country Maroons and the Town Blues.

The tournament is hosted by the Cook Islands Rugby Union and is similar to the famous Australian interstate origin tournament and will feature exciting action at Nukupure Park.

The women’s match will kick off at 2:15pm and the men’s match at 3:30pm. The event is expected to attract a large crowd and bring fans together around their love of rugby league.

The intensity and expectations of this match are high. Both teams have strategic and well-known coaches who play a big role in the local rugby community.

Clive Nicholas from Avatiu will team up with Darren Piri from Tupapa to lead the Town Blues band, while the Country Maroons band will be coached by the excellent Dion Nepia, assisted by coach and player Bobby Hansen.

Country Maroons coach Nepia highlighted the unique strengths his players displayed on the field.

“We have a good balance of young people and experienced people, which I think is a big strength for us,” Nepia said.

He believes this blend is their greatest asset, noting: “The energy and enthusiasm of the young people fuels the older boys, while the older boys keep the young people calm.”

Nepia highlighted key leaders such as Bobby Hansen, Rob Heather and Usaia Sivo, saying they played a key role in maintaining balance.

“Their leadership provides the guidance and control that allows young, energetic players to develop their skills.”

It’s an approach that ensures dynamic talents like halfback William Rani, fullback Brian Akava, center Kaleb Chase and strong second-rower Bwatitoa Teiora are able to shine.

Nepia also stressed the importance of building strong combinations and understanding the role of each player on the team.

“It’s more about building combinations and finding your place in the team based on your role in the first game,” he explained.

Nepia encouraged the players to build confidence, seize opportunities, and stressed the importance of teamwork and personal responsibility.

“Have faith and give it a try.”

Town Blues co-coach Clive Nicholas is both optimistic and cautious as he prepares for the upcoming games.

“Our strength is our back line, they have great speed and skills,” he noted.

“For myself and co-coach Darren Pirie it’s fantastic to have two finals teams joining forces to bring honours to Town but at the same time we can’t become complacent with the talent we have.”

Nicholas admitted that the Countryside Maroons presented a huge challenge, saying: “The Countryside team has two excellent coaches and a lot of local talent, as well as the help of Fijian brothers from the three country clubs, so we are wary of this.”

He also mentioned the importance of the match for future selections, adding: “We will select a home team from them but we will also keep a close eye on their performance.”