Cook Islands women’s rugby league coach Ronald Griffiths, who is visiting Rarotonga, will hold a special training session today in a bid to bolster grassroots development.

Griffiths, an NRLW Premiership-winning coach, took charge of the Cook Islands Moana for the Pacific Championships against Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Tonga in October 2025. The Moana made history by defeating the PNG Orchids 34–6 and the Tonga XIII 42–24, securing the first-ever trophy for the Cook Islands.

Cook Islands Rugby League general secretary Francis (Franky) Toa announced that Griffiths will host a training session for local women and coaches this Saturday, January 3.

The session will run from 2pm to 4pm at the National Stadium in Nikao.

“It’s going to be a treat and great opportunity for players to meet him, learn from him, have a run with him. It’ll also be a great opportunity for coaches to come and train with him, learn from off him as well in the coaching space,” Toa said.

“This will be our first ever current NRLW coach to visit and train with us so we are really grateful for the opportunity given to us.”

Griffiths will also attend the upcoming Nines in Paradise tournament, which begins next Thursday at the National Stadium.

Cook Islands Rugby League president Charles Carlson said it is a privilege to host Griffiths for the annual Nines in Paradise tournament.

Speaking of the upcoming training session, Carlson said: “This is definitely an opportunity for our local girls to meet with him on Saturday session and also showcase their talent at the Nines.”

“The result of winning Pacific Championship Bowl toppling two top teams of PNG and Tonga is no doubt a reflection of his coaching calibre at the international level.

“Having someone coaching at the elite NRL level look after our Moana women is fantastic!”