Brad and Kiana Takairangi are set to make history as they captain the Cook Islands Aitu and Moana teams during the Pacific Championships double-header against Fiji this Saturday. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first occasion that a brother-sister duo has simultaneously led their nation’s men’s and women’s teams.
Kiana will be at the helm of the Moana, while Brad will captain the Aitu. The siblings’ connection to the Cook Islands team is through their father, Louis Takairangi.
Kiana, who is part of Newcastle’s 2022 NRLW premiership-winning squad, is thrilled to take on her first captaincy role. Both teams are in urgent need of victories to keep their qualification dreams alive, with the Aitu aiming to earn respect for their small nation and encourage more players to join the Cook Islands representation.