Fred and Zane power Cook Islands pack

They are the ‘twin towers’ powering a Cook Islands forward pack that has dominated the SP Brewery Pacific Cup but today Fred Makimare and Zane Tetevano revealed what powers them.
Makimare, 20, and Tetevano, 18, have been revelations in the back row for David Fairleigh’s young side and shape as the Cooks’ go-to men in Sunday’s final against Papua New Guinea.
Along with fellow forwards Brad Takairangi and Ben Vaeau, Makimare has struck fear into opposition ball runners and defenders alike since exploding onto the scene against Samoa in Cairns two weeks ago with a man of the match performance.
After missing out on selection against Samoa, Tetevano was unstoppable in the Cooks’ 24-22 win over Fiji last week and is showing why the Knights have signed him for a further two seasons.
Makimare, off contract at the Melbourne Storm at the end of this year and Tetevano, a Newcastle Under-20s player, don’t mind putting on their share of big hits, either.
“Yeah, when the opportunity presents itself to put a big one on we’ll go for it,” Makimare says.
“Against Samoa, they are a big name team you know, so everyone was looking to put a few good shots on,” Tetevano adds.
Together, the duo form a lethal combination on the field but it was their softer sides which shone through today when the subject of teammates, families and children came up.
Both young fathers, Tetevano and Makimare said their performances were as much for their respective partners Raiven and Ruci as it was for their homeland.
“She’s a big part of what I am today,” Makimare says of his partner Ruci.
“She’s been there for me for all the highs and the lows and everything I’ve been able to do… it’s a credit to her, because if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be where I am today.
“This trip and playing in this team has been a big high for me and she’s happy for us, she’s been praying for us.”
“I’ve been with Raiven since high school and we have two kids, Kamaia and Lineira,” Tetevano adds.
“I always pray for my family and when I step out on the field I do it for them.
“They are my support, my backbone, you know.”
The two young guns are reluctant to accept praise for their exploits – instead paying tribute to their teammates, particularly captain Tere Glassie.
From the Cook Islands township of Nikao, Makimare debuted for the national side at just 16 years of age.
He said he and his teammates looked up to Glassie on and off the field.
“He’s strong – his leadership is something we admire and it really rubs off on the boys,” Makimare says.
“You just feel like you don’t want to let him down,” Tetevano adds.
“He’s been there and done that and we’re the young generation coming through, but we need to keep working hard and do the tough stuff like he has.”
Both players seem remarkably relaxed considering one of the biggest games a Cook Islands team has contested is almost upon them.
All smiles and jokes, the two are a reflection of the youthful enthusiasm fuelling the Cooks’ incredible run of upset wins.
Captain Glassie admits he has held the fort when it comes to getting the pre-match jitters.
“Mate, the most these guys worry about is which end of the hotel pool to jump in,” Glassie said.
“We’ve got a great bunch of young blokes and I feel like the old man a lot of the time, and the only one who worries about the game.
“But come game day they just switch on and really aim up and it’s the same at training.”
There’s no question Makimare and Tetevano are ready to aim up on Sunday against the Kumuls… but will they try to put a couple of ‘bellringers’ on for the Lloyd Robson Oval crowd?
“Yeah, why not,” Tetevano says with a grin.
Makimare nods in agreement, the interview ends, and it’s off to the hotel pool for a dynamic duo that very well could hold the key to a Cook Islands berth in the 2010 Four Nations.
Please see attached three different versions of a Fred Makimare (left) and Zane Tetavano (right) shot in their Cook Islands playing strip.
The SP Brewery Pacific Cup final between PNG and Cook Islands is on Sunday 1 November. A rankings Test match between Tonga and Fiji will be played Saturday 31 October. For more information and how to watch the matches LIVE online visit RLIF.com

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