After a brief break to spend time with loved ones, the Cook Islands Domestic League 13s Competition returns this ANZAC Day, with the highly anticipated clash between Avatiu Eels and the Titikaveka Bulldogs set to be a thrilling match at Victoria Park in Tupapa.

Rugby league fans can look forward to a competitive showdown, as Avatiu looks to bounce back against the Bulldogs.

Avatiu head coach Clive Nicholas says the team has had to deal with several injuries to key players following their previous match against Tupapa. As a result, the Eels will be resting some of their main players this Friday.

“We're going to rest them for this game and make sure they're 100 per cent coming to the top four, which is the most important part of the season,” Nicholas said.

With some of their regular starters out, the focus at training this week has shifted towards building confidence in the replacement players and fine-tuning their combinations on the field.

Nicholas said the aim is to help those stepping in “get into the groove of things” and lift the overall team cohesion.

The Eels have spent the past weeks working to iron out issues from their earlier season loss to Titikaveka. Nicholas believes his side has made key improvements since that outing.

“There were issues from that first game that I feel we've fixed. That is all we've been working on. Our downfall is not that we are not good at rugby. We've got some of the best players on the island, but we just can't put it together.”

He added that those weaknesses have been the core focus at training – building consistency, discipline and on-field synergy.

As for Friday’s match, Nicholas is expecting an entertaining contest and is encouraging the public to come out in numbers and support the teams.

“It's Anzac Day, nothing is open. We are hoping to see a big crowd out there. Come and watch the teams.”

Several players from both teams recently came out of the high performance camp, and Nicholas says this has brought a renewed energy and leadership into the squad.

“This week they've put into the team a better attitude. A more positive attitude and more leadership. They are leading from the front. As a senior member and a coach for the national level, both league and union, that's something that is needed.”

Reflecting on the weeklong break, Nicholas says the downtime was welcomed, particularly after a physical outing against Tupapa.

“It helped. We had a lot of niggles from the last game … that week gave some of the boys good ample time and rest to recover.”

Fixtures at Victoria Park, Tupapa.

-          Tomorrow: Mens: Bulldogs vs Eels 4pm.

-          Saturday: U14’s Eels vs Bears/ Sea Eagles; 12.15pm U16s Bears vs Sea Eagles; 2.30pm Womens Bears vs Panthers; 3pm Mens Panthers vs TKV Warrior and 4.30pm Bears vs Sea Eagles.