As the Cook Islands Rugby League Rarotonga 13s season heats up, Victoria Park in Tupapa is set to host another round of thrilling matches this afternoon.

The round two competition kicked off yesterday afternoon with Titikaveka Bulldogs taking on Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles in premier men’s division at Victoria Park.

The feature premier men’s match between Tupapa Panthers and defending champions Arorangi Bears will be held this afternoon after the age group matches and senior women’s clash. The anticipation is high as teams prepare to battle it for top two placings.

Last week’s games provided plenty of excitement, with unexpected results shaking up the league standings.

Underdog teams stepped up to the challenge, causing upsets and injecting a new level of competitiveness into the tournament.

As the spotlight shifts to this week’s fixtures, today’s matches feature a highly anticipated rematch between the Arorangi Bears and the Tupapa Panthers, who battled it out in the 2023 finals.

With both teams hungry for victory, emotions are running high.

Bears coach Bobby Hansen is banking on a combination of experienced and youthful energy to lead his team to success. He even hints at the possibility of joining his players on the field.

The Panthers are quietly honing their skills behind the scenes, to cement their second spot with a win. The home advantage, coupled with their diligent preparation, could serve as a significant confidence booster for the team. As they gear up to face the Bears, all signs point to the Panthers being a formidable force on the field this afternoon.Top of Form

In addition to the headline clashes, fans can also look forward to exciting matchups in the senior women’s division, the under 14 and U16 categories.

The clash between the Lady Bears and the Lady Panthers in the senior women’s promises to deliver another thrilling encounter, showcasing the talent and determination of female athletes in the league.

As the excitement builds for another action-packed weekend, spectators can expect nothing less than top-quality rugby league action at Victoria Park. With each team vying for supremacy, every match is sure to be a spectacle of skill, passion, and sportsmanship.

Fixtures

Today – 1.45pm U14 Sea Eagles-Tupapa Panthers, 2.45pm U16 Sea Eagles-Panthers, 4pm Senior Women Lady Bears-Lady Panthers, 5pm Premier Men Arorangi Bears-Tupapa Panthers.