New Cook Islands coach Ron Griffiths will begin to develop a coaching succession plan during the end-of-season Pacific Championships while helping to prepare the Moana to qualify for the 2028 Women’s World Cup.
Griffiths, the Warriors NRLW coach, will take charge of the Moana in the Pacific Cup against Papua New Guinea and Tonga in a coup for the Cook Islands Rugby League Association.
A two-times NRLW premiership winning mentor with the Newcastle Knights in 2022 and 2023, Griffiths also coaches the men’s Indigenous All Stars team and has overseen the return of the Warriors to the NRLW this season.
"I really enjoy coaching and it is another opportunity to do something different and work with the Cook Islands,” Griffiths said.
“One thing that I have made really evident or clear is that I only want to do the job if there are some Cook Islands coaches around me that we can develop to take over the job.
“I coach the Indigenous All Stars and being an Aboriginal man I feel it should be someone of Aboriginal descent so for me, if I was going to coach Cook Islands, it was important that it was only short term to help them to develop some coaches and then step away.”
While the Cook Islands have missed out on a berth at next year’s World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea after losing to Fiji in last year’s Pacific qualifying tournament, Griffiths is excited about the potential for the future on and off the field.
Former Kiwi Ferns Sharlene Atai and Kimiora Breayley-Nati, who has also played for Cook Islands, have been on the Moana coaching staff, while there is a host of talent in the NRLW.
“Sharlene and Kimiora were on the coaching staff last year and it is an opportunity to work with them and help them progress,” Griffiths said.
“I think if you can help make a lasting impact on rugby league, it doesn’t matter what sphere or circle it is in, it is something you really relish doing. It is like the old saying that you want to leave the jersey in a better position than you found it.”
Sharks halfback Chantay Kiria-Ratu, Eels lock Ryvrr Lee-Alo and Warriors hooker
Lydia Turua-Quedley are among the emerging NRLW stars who have represented Cook Islands, while Kiana Takairangi captained the Moana last year.
After starring for Cook Islands at the last World Cup in 2022, Raiders centre Mackenzie Wiki last year chose to play for New Zealand and Griffiths said it was a goal to create an environment where players with dual eligibility choose to play for the Moana.
“For such a small nation, the Cook Islands has a marvellous amount of talent. It is really a testament to who they are as people,” he said.
“I watch across the NRLW and [NSW] Harvey Norman and [Queensland] BMD Cups and there is an enormous amount of players of Cook Islands descent playing.
“The end goal is to qualify for the next World Cup in 2028 and that allows 12 months for all players of Cook Islands descent to have a look at the progression and the development of the Cook Islands team.
“We want to start building the framework in the Pacific Championships and then get some of those players to be able to make an informed decision about what it looks like moving forward, so it is a wonderful challenge for us to put the right structures in place so players like what they are seeing from afar.”
Cook Islands Rugby League Association president Charles Carlson said the appointment of Griffiths was the first step in ensuring the Moana qualifying campaign for the 2028 World Cup.
"I’m really pleased to welcome Ronald on board as our new coach as we start rebuilding and preparing for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup in 2028," he said.
"With the new international calendar now set, the Women’s World Cup in 2028 and the Men’s World Cup in 2030, we know that three years is not a long time.
"Having a coach of Ron’s calibre leading us through this journey is exciting and encouraging. His experience, leadership and vision will be key as we prepare our players, strengthen our pathways, and build towards making history in 2028.
"This is the beginning of a new chapter for Cook Islands rugby league, and I’m confident that with Ron at the helm, and with the support of our players, management, and fans, we can achieve something truly special for our people and our nation."
nzwarriors.com
