Cook Islands Rugby League has confirmed that today and tomorrow's domestic 13s competition matches will continue.

The association kept a close watch yesterday on a tropical depression expected to intensify into a category one cyclone last night.

Cook Islands Rugby League secretary Franky Toa said: “We are keeping a close eye on the weather and will make a call on (Friday’s) match – tomorrow (today).”

“If it gets any worse, we will look at postponing games until such a time that we are out of this depression.”

In the premier men’s competition, Tupapa Panthers are scheduled to take on Titikaveka Bulldogs this afternoon at Aretere Park in Avatiu at 5pm.

In the opening round of matches last week, the Bulldogs lost to Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles 16-44.

In the post-match interview, Bulldogs skipper Timothy Tangirere said they lacked the numbers to field a strong team.

Against the Sea Eagles, the Bulldogs started well but lost their composure as their neighbours scored multiple tries to win the match.

“I think leading up to this game we planned to keep things basic, but fatigue set in and most of the boys started going off the game plan,” Tangirere said.

The Panthers started their 2024 season well, beating defending champions Arorangi Bears 34-8 last week.

Despite the win, Panthers skipper Tua Ravula said they still needed more players on the bench.

“Much better than last year’s final (against the Bears). We played as a team," Ravula told Cook Islands Rugby League.

In the other premier men’s match this weekend, Avatiu Nikao Eels will play their first match of the season against the Bears at home on Saturday at 5pm.

In the women’s competition, Lady Bears will take on Lady Bulldogs at 4.15pm at Aretere Park. The Bulldogs forfeited last week’s match against Lady Panthers after failing to field a team.

Fixtures

Today at Aretere Park – 5pm Premier Men’s Panthers vs Bulldogs.

Tomorrow at Aretere Park –12pm Junior Development – 6 to 12 years old (turning 12 this year), 2.15pm U14s Eels vs Sea Eagles, 3.15pm U16s Sea Eagles vs Bears, 4.15pm Women’s Bears vs Bulldogs, 5pm Premier Eels vs Bears. Premier Men’s - Sea Eagles BYE; Women’s - Panthers BYE; U16s - Panthers BYE and U14s - Panthers BYE.