The ‘toughest and most intense’ rugby league series, which will bring down the curtain on the 2025 season, will kick off this afternoon at the Aretere Park in Avatiu.

The opening match of the Origin Town versus Country Series play-off will feature the U16s match at 3pm followed by the Premiers battle at 4pm.

Cook Islands Rugby League (CIRL) competition coordinator Francis (Franky) Toa has labelled the series the “toughest, most intense, physically demanding and hopefully most emotionally charged competition of the year”.

“It’s next level rugby league for CIRL and coaches are pushing players to their physical and mental limits.”

Toa said it is a battle between two teams who comprise the best players from all six participating rugby league clubs in Rarotonga.

The Country Maroons premier team will be coached by Dion Nepia, the mentor of the Arorangi Bears club, while Avatiu Nikao Eels coach Clive Nicholas will guide the Town Blues.

Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles, Titikaveka Bulldogs and Arorangi Bears make up the Country Maroons team while 2025 domestic competition champions Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers, Avatiu/Nikao Eels and Takuvaine Warriors form the Town Blues team.

“There is a catch though; each side is limited to five specialist players (non-Cook Islanders) with the majority being Cook Islands heritage players,” Toa said.

The three-match series will see each team battling tooth and nail to win the most games to claim the series victory.

“No draws are allowed in Origin so each game is sure to have a winner. Last year at game one, we went into overtime as the score was locked at a draw at full time,” Toa explained.

“Every game is a finals game in Origin.”

Toa said that Origin was in its second year and CIRL wanted to build up the rivalry, “the passionate fan support to fuel Origin Town vs Country to become a competition that will grow bigger locally”.

“From the Origin Series, we are able to pick out a Residential Squad who will represent us at regional competitions.”
Explaining the inclusion of the U16 division in this year’s series, Toa said it was to create a pathway to select a Residential squad.

The Country Maroons U16 will be coached by duo Ru Samuel and Jeremy Teau and Ailaoa Samania will mentor the Town Blues.

Toa thanked the Origin Series sponsors, Tere Strickland of TEM Store and Clive Nicholas of Polynesian Tattoos, who stepped in to support the competition.

“They didn’t ask questions when I pitched my proposal – they just said to me – ‘Yup make it happen’,” said Toa.

“Our sponsors have kitted up the teams to mimic the NRL State of Origin Series with the striking blue and maroon colour.

“They both share a great passion for sports and especially rugby league. CIRL is grateful to work with people like them and we want to acknowledge them.”

The first leg of the series will be held at the Aretere Park in Avatiu followed by game two at Nukupure Park in Ngatangiia. The final leg will return to Aretere Park.

Entry fees are $5 for adults and $2 for teens. For children under 12, entry to the series is free.

Fixtures
Game 1 - Saturday 7th June 2025 – Aretere Park; Game 2 – Saturday 14th June 2025 - Nukupure Park; Game 3 – Saturday 21st June 2025 - Aretere Park.