Jet lag and little time to prepare will not prevent the Cook Islands women’s rugby league team from causing an upset ahead of the World Cup, which begins in the UK on November 2.
Coach Anthony Tamati-Matua, known as Rusty, will be leading the pack and wants to show the rugby world what they can really do.
As well as France, Cook Islands face Australia and New Zealand, Rusty is grateful for the opportunity against two of rugby leagues giants in the women’s game, believing as ‘underdogs’ they are ready to ruffle a few feathers.
In a press conference Rusty said: “Our goal is to upset one of the big dogs, we have the toughest draw in the competition- world number one first and world number two second, thank you England for this opportunity on this world stage.”
Rusty remains positive by saying: “You could look at it as lambs to the slaughter or we could be thankful that it’s a blessing to be on the world stage, we remain very optimistic and view it as having a grand final at the very beginning of the tournament.”
Kimiora Brayley-Nati, the co-captain for The Cook Islands team indicated that experience is something Rusty brings to the team since having played under him when he was assistant coach for The Kiwi Ferns.
Brayley-Nati said: “We are blessed to have him on board, he brings lots of knowledge to the team and knows the game very well”.
Matua’s team are gathered of girls from New Zealand, Australia and The Cook Islands and had only started training as a team from October 24.
Erikana Dean, Cook Island hooker, was called up only 2 weeks ago leaving very little time to get ready for the World Cup but explains a head coach like Rusty it’s been achievable.
“We have only had a week to jell as a team, he’s made it possible with the way he has taught us to work together in so little time.”
After their opening training game against England Nights, Rusty’s team are ready to take challenge the big nations.
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