Cook Islands women's national rugby league team
The Cook Islands women's national rugby league team , also known as the Cook Islands Moana represents Cook Islands in Women's rugby league . The Cook Islands have competed in three Women's Rugby League World Cup tournaments.
In 2003 , the Cook Islands played six matches, for two wins (both over Tokelau), a draw (with Great Britain ), and three losses.
In 2017 the Cook Islands lost their first two matches by large margins, before registering a surprise win over England in their third and last match. [ 1] [ 2]
The Cook Islands participated in the 2021 Women's Rugby League World Cup which, after a delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic, was played in November 2022. Again, the Cook Islands lost their first two matches before winning their third and last match, on this occasion beating France women's national rugby league team .
The Cook Islands had prequalified for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup .[ 3] The withdrawal of intended hosts France, in August 2023, prompted a review by the governing body, which resulted in a reduction in the number of teams, from sixteen to eight. The number of pre-qualified teams was also reduced from eight to four, impacting the Cook Islands. Consequently, the Cook Islands will now need to qualify for the next World Cup, which was pushed back to 2026 .
History
Cook Islands women's teams participated in the mid 1990s Oceania Cup tournaments in New Zealand. After appearing in the 1996 Oceania Cup, there was a gap in participation by Moana teams for several years until a revival in 2002 ahead of the 2003 World Cup. Invitational games were played against Maori and Niue teams. The squad for 2003 tournament were selected from New Zealand clubs.[ 4]
Cook Islands first World Cup appearance was at the 2003 Women's Rugby League World Cup .[ 5] After a loss by a large margin in their opening fixture against New Zealand , Cook Islands won their second game against Tokelau. Fresh off byes in the last round of the first phase, and first round of the second phase, the Cook Islands held Great Britain to a 20-all draw.[ 6]
Cook Islands qualified for the 2017 Women's Rugby League World Cup by default after Fiji , Samoa and Tonga withdrew from the Pacific qualifying tournament due to a lack of players.[ 7] After losses by large margins to New Zealand and Australia , the Cook Islands team had an upset victory over England .
Head to head records
Opponent
Win%
Share
New Zealand
2003
2022
3
0
0
3
0.00%
4
178
2.20%
Tokelau
2003
2003
2
2
0
0
100.00%
48
28
63.16%
Great Britain
2003
2003
1
0
1
0
50.00%
20
20
50.00%
Māori
2003
2003
1
0
0
1
0.00%
0
46
0.00%
Samoa
2003
2003
1
0
0
1
0.00%
18
28
39.13%
Australia
2017
2022
2
0
0
2
0.00%
4
132
2.94%
England
2017
2017
1
1
0
0
100.00%
22
16
57.89%
France
2022
2022
1
1
0
0
100.00%
26
18
59.09%
Papua New Guinea
2023
2023
1
0
0
1
0.00%
20
28
41.67%
Fiji
2024
2024
1
0
0
1
0.00%
6
18
25.00%
Totals
2003
2024
14
4
1
9
0.00%
168
512
24.71%
Note:
Table last updated 26 October 2024.
Share is the portion of "For" points compared to the sum of "For" and "Against" points.
Current squad
The Moana squad for the 2024 Pacific Championships was announced on 9 October 2024.[ 8] [ 9]
Results
Full internationals
Tour / trial / warm-up matches
Date
Opponent
Score
Tournament
Venue
Video
Report(s)
27 Oct 2022
England Knights
26–14
Warm-Up Trial Match
Weetwood , Leeds [ 35]
—
[ 36]
Nines
Recent full internationals in detail
2017
Australia v. Cook Islands
Australia
58 – 4
Cook Islands
Tries: 11 Caitlyn Moran (6', 78') 2 Brittany Breayley (11') 1 Karina Brown (15') 1 Ali Brigginshaw (21') 1 Vanessa Foliaki (25') 1 Talesha Quinn (32') 1 Isabelle Kelly (36') 1 Nakia Davis-Welsh (49') 1 Meg Ward (53') 1 Lavina O'Mealey (57') 1 Goals: 7 Maddie Studdon 4 /5 (38', 50', 55', 79') Caitlyn Moran 3 /6 (16', 22', 26')
1st: 36 – 0 2nd: 22 – 4 NRL Stats
Tries: 1 1 (74') Chantelle Inangaro SchofieldGoals: nil 0/1 Chantelle Inangaro Schofield
New Zealand v. Cook Islands
New Zealand
76 – 0
Cook Islands
Tries: 14 Honey Hireme (9', 30', 35', 44', 51', 69') 6 Shontelle Woodman (24', 32') 2 Krystal Murray (27', 76') 2 Raecene McGregor (54', 57') 2 Lilieta Maumau (19') 1 Nita Maynard (62') 1 Goals: 10 Kimiora Nati 10 /14 (20', 28', 31', 34', 36', 46', 56', 63', 71', 77')
1st: 38 – 0 2nd: 38 – 0 NRL Stats
England v. Cook Islands
England
16 – 22
Cook Islands
Tries: 3 Emma Slowe (47') 1 Amy Hardcastle (54') 1 Kayleigh Bulman (76') 1 Goals: 2 Claire Garner 2 /3 (48', 56')
1st: 0 – 16 2nd: 16 – 6 NRL Stats
Tries: 4 1 (2') Beniamina Koiatu 1 (30') Katelyn Arona 1 (34') Cecelia Strickland 1 (80') Te Amohaere Ngata-AerengamateGoals: 3 3 /4 Chantelle Inangaro Schofield (31', 35', 80')
2022
Australia v. Cook Islands
Australia
74–0
Cook Islands
Tries: 14 Sam Bremner (21', 44', 60', 63') 4 Evania Pelite (3', 25', 70') 3 Tarryn Aiken (14', 72') 2 Julia Robinson (33', 57') 2 Caitlan Johnston (9') 1 Shenae Ciesiolka (30') 1 Taliah Fuimaono (54') 1 Goals: 9 Lauren Brown 6/9 (10', 16', 23', 31', 65', 70') Holli Wheeler 3/3 (55', 58', 61')
1st: 36 – 0 2nd: 38 – 0 Report NRL Stats
New Zealand v. Cook Islands
France v. Cook Islands
France
18–26
Cook Islands
Tries: 4 Elisa Ciria (47', 75') 2 Melanie Bianchini (26') 1 Cristina Song-Puche (64') 1 Goals: 1 Elisa Ciria 1 /4 (49')
1st: 4 – 12 2nd: 14 – 14 Report NRL Stats
Tries: 5 1 (18') April Ngatupuna 1 (29') Terehia Matua 1 (41') Mackenzie Wiki 1 (60') Alekermay Tuaana 1 (72') Tetuanui DeanGoals: 3 3 /5 Kerehitina Matua (19', 31', 62')
2023
Papua New Guinea v. Cook Islands
Papua New Guinea
28–20
Cook Islands
Tries: 6 Lyiannah Allan (22', 48') 2 Roswita Kapo (9') 1 Essay Banu (18') 1 Leila Kerowa (34') 1 Latoniya Norris (44') 1 Goals: 2 Emily Veivers 2 /6 (10', 20')
NRL Stats
Tries: 4 1 (14') Chelsea Makira 1 (26') Mahinaarangi Rewi 1 (58') Kiana Takairangi 1 (63') Chantelle Holloway-SamuelsGoals: 2 2 /4 Chantay Kiria-Ratu (16', 65')
Past squads
2017
Squad for the 2017 Women's Rugby League World Cup :[ 51] [ 52]
Toka Natua (Tokoroa, NZ)
Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate (Counties-Manukau, NZ)
Te Amohaere Ngat-Aerengamate (Counties-Manukau, NZ)
Crystal George Tamarua (Auckland, NZ)
Danielle Apaiana (Auckland, NZ)
Stephanie Wilson (Sydney, Australia)
Eliza Wilson (Auckland, NZ)
Josina Singapu (Gold Coast, Australia)
Karol Tanevesi (Sydney, Australia)
Samaria Taia (Sydney, Australia)
Natalee Tagavaitau (Auckland, NZ)
Kaylen Ikitule (Auckland, NZ)
Kiana Takairangi (Sydney, Australia)
Chantelle Inangaro Schofield (Cook Islands)
Beniamina Koiatu (Auckland, NZ)
Inangaro Maraeara (Sydney, Australia)
Manea Poa-Maoate (Wellington, NZ)
Lydia Turua-Quedley (Melbourne, Australia)
Ruahei Demant (Auckland, NZ)
Cecelia Strickland (Perth, Australia)
Urshla Kere (Brisbane, Australia)
Kiritapu Demant (Auckland, NZ)
Katelyn Arona (Christchurch, NZ)
2003
Squad for the 2003 Women's Rugby League World Cup :[ 4]
Charmaine Angareu (Mangere East)
Deborah Apaina (Ponsonby)
Marry-Anne Aukino (Papakura)
Rangi Aukino (Randwick)
Justine Cook (Ponsonby)
Sarah Cook (Ponsonby)
Debbie Dorman (Ponsonby)
Michelle Driscoll (Richmond)
Tracey Larkin (Ponsonby)
Elizabeth Mani (Mt Wellington)
Caroline Marsters (Mt Wellington)
Kelly Marsters (Te Atatu)
Joyce Otikore-Joseph (Otara)
Nora Pange (Mangere East)
Api Parai (Te Atatu)
Hilda Peters (Papakura)
Karen Thorn (Ponsonby)
Amiria Tikinau (Otahuhu)
Mary Tuarae (Richmond)
Tutai-Stephanie Utanga (Mt Wellington)
Theresa Vaiula (Ponsonby)
Teremoana Vano (Ponsonby)
Teresa Wilson (Hillcrest)
Tupou Wilson (Hillcrest)
See also
References
^ "Sport: Cooks women upset despite Rugby League World Cup spot | Radio New Zealand News" . radionz.co.nz. 19 October 2016. Retrieved 2016-11-19 .
^ "Women's side off to League World Cup" . cookislandsnews.com. Retrieved 2016-11-19 .
^ "International Rugby League Announces Qualification Places For France 2025" . IRL . 24 Mar 2022. Retrieved 30 Mar 2022 .
^ a b Lion Foundation Woman's Rugby League World Cup 2003 . North Harbour, New Zealand: New Zealand Women's Rugby League. 2003.
^ Matautia-Morgan, Levi (2017-10-26). "Cook Islands women's league team back in the game" . Cook Islands women's league team back in the game . Retrieved 2017-10-30 .
^ Francis, Payne (2003). New Zealand Rugby League Almanack 2003 . New Zealand Rugby Football League Inc.
^ "Sport: Cook Islands women accept difficult Rugby League World Cup draw" . Radio New Zealand . 2016-11-25. Retrieved 2017-10-30 .
^ "Cook Islands Squad List" . facebook . NRLW - National Rugby League Women's. 9 Oct 2024. Retrieved 10 Oct 2024 .
^ "2024 Pacific Championships: Full squad lists" . NRL . 16 Oct 2024. Retrieved 17 Oct 2024 .
^ a b c d Francis, Payne (2003). New Zealand Rugby League Almanack 2003 . New Zealand Rugby Football League Inc.
^ "Scoreboard". Rugby League Week (1/10/2003). Sydney: Bauer Media Group.
^ Birchall, Steven (4 Oct 2003) [2003]. "Womens World Cup : Round Three Results" . Womens RLeague . Australian Womens Rugby League. Archived from the original on 2004-11-29. Retrieved 30 Oct 2020 .
^ "Women's Rugby League". Rugby League Review . 1 Nov 2003. p. 8.
^ "Australia vs Cook Island - Women's 2017 RLWC" . YouTube . Pacific Eye. 16 Nov 2017. Retrieved 8 May 2020 .
^ Riccio, David (17 Nov 2017). "Jillaroo dreams come true in a Cup flogging". Daily Telegraph . p. 104.
^ "Kiwi Ferns Vs Cook Island - Women's RLWC 2017 Highlights" . YouTube . Rugby League World Cup. 20 Nov 2017. Retrieved 30 Sep 2020 .
^ "Women's Rugby League World Cup 2017 - Round 2 Results" . League Unlimited . 19 Nov 2017. Retrieved 24 Mar 2021 .
^ "England vs Cook Island - Full HIGHLIGHTS - 2017 Women's RLWC" . YouTube . Pacific Eye. 22 Nov 2017. Retrieved 26 Apr 2022 .
^ "England 16 v 22 Cook islands" . European Rugby League . 22 Nov 2017. Retrieved 31 Mar 2021 .
^ Golding, Craig (22 Nov 2017). "Cook Islands stun England in Women's Rugby League World Cup boilover" . ABC . AAP. Retrieved 21 Oct 2020 .
^ "Australia start World Cup against Cook Islands - RLWC2021 Cazoo Match Highlights" . YouTube . Rugby League World Cup 2021. 2 Nov 2022. Retrieved 3 Nov 2022 .
^ "Women's Rugby League World Cup - Australia 74 v 0 Cook Islands" . NRL . 2 Nov 2022. Retrieved 3 Nov 2022 .
^ "Women's Rugby League World Cup : Round 1 - Australian Jillaroos 74 v 0 Cook Islands Women" . Rugby League World Cup 2021 . 2 Nov 2022. Retrieved 3 Nov 2022 .
^ "New Zealand take on Cook Islands in Group B - RLWC2021 Cazoo Women's Match Highlights" . YouTube . Rugby League World Cup 2021. 7 Nov 2022. Retrieved 7 Nov 2022 .
^ "Women's Rugby League World Cup - New Zraland 34 v 4 Cook Islands" . NRL . 6 Nov 2022. Retrieved 7 Nov 2022 .
^ "Women's Rugby League World Cup : Round 2 - Kiwi Ferns 34 v 4 Cook Islands Women" . Rugby League World Cup 2021 . 6 Nov 2022. Retrieved 7 Nov 2022 .
^ "France and the Cook Islands face off in their final group B game - RLWC2021 Cazoo Match Highlights" . YouTube . Rugby League World Cup 2021. 10 Nov 2022. Retrieved 11 Nov 2022 .
^ "Women's Rugby League World Cup - France 18 v 26 Cook Islands" . NRL . 10 Nov 2022. Retrieved 11 Nov 2022 .
^ "Women's Rugby League World Cup : Round 3 - France Women 18 v 26 Cook Islands Women" . Rugby League World Cup 2021 . 10 Nov 2022. Retrieved 11 Nov 2022 .
^ "PNG Orchids v Cook Islands Moana - Match Highlights - Pacific Championships, 2023 - NRLW" . YouTube . NRLW - National Rugby League Women's. 22 Oct 2023. Retrieved 22 Oct 2023 .
^ Lucantonio, AJ (22 Oct 2023). "Orchids shine bright despite late Moana comeback" . League Unlimited . Retrieved 22 Oct 2023 .
^ "Pacific Championships 2024 - Bulikula v Moana - Match Highlights" . YouTube . NRLW - National Rugby League Women's. 26 Oct 2024. Retrieved 26 Oct 2024 .
^ Rosser, Corey (26 Oct 2024). "Naikore bags three as Fiji set up a shot at history" . NRL . Retrieved 26 Oct 2024 .
^ Cama, Akuila (26 Oct 2024). "Naikore hat-trick, World Cup dream alive" . FBC News . Retrieved 26 Oct 2024 .
^ "Women Build Up To World Cup" . European Rugby League . 27 Oct 2022. Retrieved 27 Oct 2022 .
^ "England Knights 14 v 24 Cook Islands" . European Rugby League . 28 Oct 2022. Retrieved 29 Oct 2022 .
^ "Commonwealth Championship: Day 1 Results" . QRL . Commonwealth Championship Media. 23 Feb 2018. Retrieved 1 Apr 2021 .
^ "2018 Commonwealth Championships: Canada Ravens vs. Cook Islands" . YouTube . Canada Rugby League. 25 Feb 2018. Retrieved 18 Apr 2021 .
^ Clarkstone, Julian (23 Feb 2018). "Commonwealth Championships: Day One Wrap-Up" . Canada Rugby League . Retrieved 19 Apr 2021 . {{cite web }}
: CS1 maint: date and year (link )
^ "Commonwealth Championships Results - Day Two" . Love Rugby League . 24 Feb 2018. Retrieved 1 Apr 2021 .
^ "Results from Day 1 of 2019 Pacific Games" . Asia Pacific Rugby League . 8 Jul 2019. Archived from the original on 15 July 2019. Retrieved 12 Apr 2021 .
^ "Rugby League 9s, Pacific Games 2019" . YouTube . 17 Jul 2019. Retrieved 12 Apr 2021 .
^ Pavitt, Michael (9 Jul 2019). "Fiji celebrate double rugby league nines gold as history made at Samoa 2019" . Inside the Games . Retrieved 12 Apr 2021 .
^ a b c Walter, Brad (21 Nov 2023). "Kiria-Ratu stars for Cook Islands as Fiji suffer shock defeats at Pacific Games" . NRL . Retrieved 21 Nov 2023 .
^ Tuiwai, Taina (21 Nov 2023). "Fiji to face Samoa in League 9s final" . FBC News . Retrieved 22 Nov 2023 .
^ a b Walter, Brad (22 Nov 2023). "Woolf, Kaufusi backing Tonga women in quest for Pacific Games gold" . NRL . Retrieved 22 Nov 2023 .
^ "Kiria-Ratu overwhelmed after helping Cook Islands to Pacific Games triumph" . NRL . 23 Nov 2023. Retrieved 23 Nov 2023 .
^ Hodge, Hugo (23 Nov 2023). "Cook Islands ends Tonga's fairytale women's rugby 9s story in Pacific Games final" . ABC . Retrieved 23 Nov 2023 .
^ a b c Smith, Pater (20 November 2022). "Rugby League World Cup: full list of RLWC2021 results, plus scorers and crowds" . Yorkshire Evening Post . Retrieved 7 June 2023 .
^ "Papua New Guinea (W) vs. Cook Islands (W) - Papua New Guinea (W) 28 def. Cook Islands (W) 20 - RLP" . www.rugbyleagueproject.org . Retrieved 30 October 2023 .
^ "Women's RLWC2017 final squads announced" . Rugby League World Cup . 2017-11-03. Retrieved 2017-11-10 .
^ "Rugby League Planet - Cook Islands name team for 2017 Women's Rugby League World Cup" . www.rugbyleagueplanet.com . 2017-11-10. Retrieved 2017-11-10 .
External links
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