Under 18 representative squad named

The Cook Islands under 18 representative squad has been named, drawing together 24 of the countrys best young rugby league players for matches billed around the Kiwi-Kuki test match on October 6.

More than 30 players have been attending the under 18 training sessions over recent weeks, giving selectors some tough choices for the youth squad.

The final decisions were not known until after the youth played in a trial match against the senior Cook Islands tri-series squad this week.

Team manager Walter Tangata released the squad names this week, with players coming from all six Rarotonga league teams as well as two from the Aitutaki Sharks.

Team management have finally selected a team of 24 players to compete in the upcoming rugby league tri series tournament against New Zealand Cook Islands and Australia Cook Islands, Tangata said.

The final squad is as follows:

Mana Ngaau, Ben Daniel, Robert Matapo (all Titikaveka Bulldogs), Stanley Tobia, John Nicholas, Arama Bishop, Teariki Sword (Avatiu Eels), Gideon Ama, Tua Tangimetua, Taime Tangatapoto, Stubb Kamana, Makea Tupa, John Vano (Tupapa Panthers), Basil Matapo, Raina Wichman, Andrew Purua, Robert Heather Jnr, Levi McKinley, Peter Kermode (Arorangi Bears), Daniel Mato (Ngatangiia Sea Eagles), Ieremia Tuteru, Tiare Kura (Takuvaine Warriors), Victor Ioane and Tazel Tara (Aitutaki Sharks).

Tangata also named the full management team working alongside him for the under 18s team.

Robert Heather Snr will coach the club, with support from physiotherapist Pareina Tangata, trainers/runners Petero Teio and George Isamaela, and masseur Daniel Tonorio.