Rugby league is the most popular team sport played in the Cook Islands. Rugby league is recognised as the national sport of the country. Popularity History Officially the club rugby league competition commenced in 1980. The first international match was played against Niue at the 1986 Pacific Cup, which was hosted in Rarotonga and also included teams from Samoa, Tonga, NZ Maori and Tokelau. In the mid 1990s rugby league received significant funding through the SuperLeague organisation. Traditionally, much of the rugby league played by Cook Islanders has been in Australia and New Zealand where there are strong Cook Island populations. In more recent times, Cook Islands rugby league has received a major boost through the involvement of former professional rugby league players Kevin Iro and Matt Rua - both native Cook Islanders - in the form of selector and defensive coach for the national side. Both players represented New Zealand internationally and played many NRL games. Rugby league is the national sport and the most popular sport in the Cook Islands. Staff President, Cook Islands Rugby League: Charles Carlson Selectors: Kevin Iro, Charles Carlson, Ina Konito and No'ora Samuela RLIF Representative: Kevin Iro Head Coach: Tony Iro Defensive Coach: Matt Rua Attacking Coach: Kevin Iro Current players of Cook Islands descent NRL Alex Glenn Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad Jordan Rapana Josh Papalii Dylan Napa Karmichael Hunt Sione Katoa Brandon Smith Valentine Holmes Esan Marsters Francis Molo Marata Niukore Troy Dargan Steven Marsters Joseph Manu James Tamou Super League Valentine Holmes Drury Low Jordan Rapana Zane Tetevano Dominique Peyroux Adam Tangata Notable players Kevin Iro Adam Watene Matt Rua John Whittaker Tiri Toa Meti Noovao Riki Cowan Tony Iro Karmichael Hunt Denvour Johnston Ali Davys Aaron Cannings Karl Temata Ben Vaeau George Tuakura Frank Watene Kane Epati Leroy Joe Tyrone Pau Competition The domestic Cook Islands rugby league competition begins in early February on a yearly basis. The Tournament is arguably the biggest sporting competition in the Cook Islands with hundreds attending games on the Islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Grand Final weekend builds the biggest hype among supporters of every team ranging from its junior levels, reserve grade and the main A grade (Premier level). Men Teams Titikaveka Bulldogs Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers Avatiu/Nikao Eels Takuvaine Warriors Arorangi Bears Aitutaki Sharks (Premier Squad Only) Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles Winners 1992 Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles 1993 Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles 1994 Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles 1995 Ngatangiia/Matavera