The Country Maroons secured a hard-fought win in the final match of the Cook Islands Rugby League (CIRL) State of Origin series, pipping the Town Blues 34-28 with a passionate and determined performance at Victoria Park in Tupapa.

Despite the Maroons’ thrilling win, it was the Town Blues who claimed the 2025 Origin series title, having taken the first two games of the three-match contest – 46-28 and 28-20.

CIRL vice president Mata Rakanui praised both teams for their commitment and the growing standard of local rugby league.

“I’m pretty excited, very proud of what we’ve seen throughout the series and especially today. The Maroons were unlucky in the first two games, very unlucky. This series is so tight, it could have gone either way,” said Rakanui.

“But the Maroons put on a lot of heart today, came with aggression and claimed the win.

“Of course, the series still goes to Town for taking the first two wins. Overall, the standard of rugby league is on the rise here in the Cook Islands.”

Country’s Taio Taio, who plays for the Arorangi Bears, was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his standout performance.

“It’s hard to select just one or two top players, but Taio was outstanding today,” Rakanui added.

The Origin series also serves as a selection ground for the Cook Islands Residents squad, who will compete at the Mantis-Hoff Cup in Melbourne, this October.

The team will go up against Cook Islands players based in Melbourne, Sydney, and the Gold Coast.

“Last year we lost in the final. This year, we’re aiming to go one better and take the title,” said Rakanui.

The Country Maroons defeated Town Blues 34-28 in the last leg of the Cook Islands Rugby League State of Origin Series. MELINA ETCHES/25062231

The Town Blues featured players from Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers, Avatiu Eels, Takuvaine Warriors.

The Blues team in the final featured: Toru Katuke, Jason Putoru, Eric Newbigging (Captain), Kana Nga, Bill Temo, Josh Motu, Nuku Tetava, Mafu Kalas, Kaleb Chase, Puna Hiro, Tevii Ngametua, John Noovao, Tamatoa Nicholas (Vice Captain), Ozwell Tunupopo, Adyn Anguna Kapi, Oki Naea, and Selafi Tovio.

Blues coach Clive Nicholas noted the absence of key players including Olive Willie, their top performer in Game two, who has left for overseas. Also missing due to injuries were the Blues’ speedsters Nathan Nabou, Pita Lagilagi, and Jale Lagidela.

The Country Maroons side featured: Brian Akava, Tangimetua Akava, Isaia Aleni, Amani Ama, Avaiki Ama, Ryan Daniel, Tom Daniel, Albert Etuete, Rob Heather, Tua Herman, Junior Kirikava, Feno Manuel, Henry Mataio, Dougy Matakibau, Ioane Moore, Clarke Ngaau, Sailosi Ratuvukivuki, James Strickland, Taio Taio, Timo Tangirere, Bwatitoa Teiora, Totoa Tuaia, and Alowesi Vulailai. Coaching staff: Head Coach Dion Nepia, Assistant Coach Mark Tuaati, and Manager Taungaroa Emile.

The Cook Islands Residents 28-member squad was announced after the final match on Saturday.

Coach Nepia confirmed the squad will be trimmed to 23 players by mid-August in preparation for the Melbourne tournament.

Nicholas, the national 7s coach, added that some selected players may be withdrawn due to their commitments to the Cook Islands 7s team, which will compete in the Oceania Sevens in November.

Cook Islands National Residents Squad

The initial 28-player squad selected for the Mantis-Hoff Cup includes: Props: Eric Newbigging (Captain), Toru Katuke, Clarke Ngaau, Tua Herman, Kana Nga, Zshalem Samuel, Evander Guttenbiel.

Edge Forwards/Locks: Adyn Kapi, Fortes Anthony, Timo Tangirere, Olive Willie, Amani Ama, Avaiki Ama, Tom Daniel.

Hookers: Jason Potoru, John Noovao.

Halves: James Strickland, Tangimetua Akava, Taio Taio.

Centres: Bwatitoa Teiora, Ioane Moore, Kaleb Chase, Tama Nicholas.

Wingers: Tevii Ngametua, Henry Mataio, Daniel Taokia, Ryan Daniel.

Fullback: Jaman Rio.

The Coaching Team are: Head Coach – Dion Nepia, Assistant Coach – Clive Nicholas, Manager – Apii Tumutoa.