The Cook Islands Aitu rugby league team held their inaugural training session at Albert Park in Suva yesterday morning as they prepare for their upcoming match against the Vodafone Fiji Bati this Saturday. This game is part of the second week of the 2024 NRL Pacific Championships.
Coach Karmichael Hunt reported a productive training session, noting the players’ enthusiasm upon arriving in the country on Saturday night. He mentioned their eagerness to take the field again at 8 a.m. today.
“We’re really looking forward to getting back on the training track today, and then we will finalize our preparation on Thursday,” Hunt stated.
Hunt expressed anticipation for the match against the Bati, highlighting the players’ fitness levels as an important aspect of their performance. “I really enjoyed the intensity of the session; quite a few boys have finished footy for over a month now, while some have only been out for a couple of weeks.”
The teams faced each other once in 2023, with the Bati emerging victorious in a close contest, winning 22-18. The Aitu had previously suffered a 10-46 defeat against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls before their matchup with the Bati.
As the team continues to prepare, Hunt emphasized the significance of the upcoming match for their chances at Rugby League World Cup qualification. He expressed the team’s strong desire to succeed in this endeavor.
“When you play for your country against another country, the stakes are always higher. The players are proud Cook Islanders who want to represent their country and heritage well,” Hunt remarked.