Avatiu Nikao Eels made a grand start to their 2023 Cook Islands Rugby League 13s season following a 38-8 win over defending champions Tupapa Panthers at The Swamp on Saturday.

The Eels who won the League Nines in Paradise tournament last month proved elusive and scored most of their tries from broken play. They also defended well to deny the Panthers a couple of tries in a tit for tat battle.

The Panthers tried hard but were unable to stamp their mark in the match.

In the opening match of the season held on Friday at Teimurimotia Park, Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles defeated Titikaveka Bulldogs 20-10.

Full report in tomorrow’s edition.