World Cup Fever spreads north

The Rugby League World Cup fever has certainly reached as far as the northern group with the formation of the Manihiki/Rakahanga Rugby League Association last week. With broadband and SKY TV readily available in the Outer islands, many young people and adults now watch the NRL games shown live on SKY TV.
Propelled by the achievements of Cook Islands making the Rugby League World Cup, league is now captivating the interest of young people in the outer islands. The establishment of the Aitutaki Sharks and the now the Atiu Warriors in Aitu has certainly bolstered the interest of rugby league in the North.
A dozen members from the community with the support of Island Council member John McLeod attended the first AGM held last Saturday in Tauhunu to form the Manihiki/Rakahanga Rugby League Association and elected its first executives.
The three clubs Tauhunu, Tukao and Rakahanga make up the association and their competition will kick off next month with the OZTAG competition. This is a game similar to touch rugby but using tags with rugby league rules. Cook Islands Rugby League donated a set of OZTAG for Tukao and Tauhunu and CIRL acknowledge the support from the Avatiu/Nikao Mongoose for donating their set of OZTAG for the Rakahanga club to kick start the competition.
The OZTAG competition will then be followed by a 9s competition
Cook Islands Rugby League President Charles Carlson who happens to be on the island for work helped chair and guide the meeting in forming the Association.
“These group of people turned up on the first night I was there wanting to discuss about forming rugby league in Manihiki, says Carlson. “I was really blown away by their enthusiasm and offered to help set it up.”
Carlson who is also the Director of Emergency Management Cook Islands is visiting the islands to help develop their Disaster Risk Management Plan and to ensure every Island Council and the Disaster Risk Management Committee is very clear with their roles and responsibilities during an emergency or a disaster.
“We often talked about natural disasters and man-made disasters but one of the worse disasters that is getting out of control in the Outer Islands is migration,” says Carlson. “I believe a well organised sports association can help towards preventing and mitigating the problem.
Carlson adds he wishes he could do more for sports and the young people on the island during their short visit but at least they have made some contribution towards providing a new sport and entertainment to the community.
Mr Rangi Paulo was elected President, Sam Karaponga Junior as the Vice President, Eli Wesele as Secretary, Tereapii Paulo as Treasurer and Tangi Napara (Scratch) as their Patron. Two members from Rakahanga Tokoa Mokoa (Pu) and Aporo Piho were also nominated on to the executives.
The Association has set its plan in place for the local competition including fundraising events and sponsorships to fund the competition and get playing gear for the clubs.

‘Play League or What’

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