Cook Islands name squad for Tahiti rematches as Rhys Ruka looks to build on historic victory

Cook Islands have announced an 18-man squad for their upcoming international friendlies against Tahiti, as head coach Rhys Ruka prepares to lead his team into another important stage of the national side’s rebuilding process. The two matches in French Polynesia will complete a four-game series that has already produced one of the most memorable results in Cook Islands football history.

The announcement follows September’s two encounters in Rarotonga, when the Cook Islands hosted senior men’s international football for the first time in 28 years. Tahiti won the opening match 3-1, but the hosts responded with a remarkable 3-2 victory four days later, recording their first-ever win against the Toa Aito.

Benjamin Mata scored twice in that historic triumph, while Tremaine Rimene-Albrett struck the decisive goal shortly after halftime. The result ended 55 years of defeats against Tahiti and provided a major confidence boost for Ruka’s developing squad.

With the series now moving to Tahiti, the Cook Islands will attempt to demonstrate that their breakthrough performance was more than an isolated achievement.

The latest selection retains several players involved in September’s success, including Rimene-Albrett, Kerim Kumsuz, Dallas Rongokea, Thane Beal and goalkeeper Ngereine Maro.

However, there are notable changes to the squad. Mata, who captained the side and scored twice in the September victory, is absent from the latest announcement. His omission removes one of the most influential players from the previous international window, although the federation has not disclosed the reason for his absence.

The new squad also includes Maui Denny, Nicholas Smith, Avi Enoka and Shane Tuteru, who were not part of the 21-player group originally announced for the September encounters.

For Ruka, the tour provides another opportunity to assess the depth of his squad and develop combinations as the Cook Islands prepare for future international competitions.

The coach took charge in August following a successful period in New Zealand club football, where he guided Fencibles United to their first Chatham Cup title and promotion to the Northern League.

His appointment has been associated with an effort to strengthen the Cook Islands’ national team programme, particularly by creating a more consistent international calendar and bringing together players based domestically and overseas.

September’s performances offered encouraging early evidence of that progress.

Despite conceding three goals during the opening defeat, Cook Islands demonstrated greater attacking confidence in the second encounter, taking an early two-goal lead before Tahiti equalised. Rimene-Albrett’s second-half winner completed an impressive response against one of Oceania’s more established national teams.

The victory was also particularly significant considering the country’s previous record against Tahiti, which had dominated their meetings since the first encounter in 1971.

Ruka will now look to build on that momentum in a considerably different environment, with Tahiti enjoying home advantage and coach Joël Fréchet also continuing his preparations for the 2027 Pacific Games.

The two matches are expected to take place during November’s international window, with the Cook Islands squad scheduled to depart for French Polynesia next week.

Beyond the immediate results, the return fixtures will provide another opportunity for a developing national team to gain valuable experience against stronger regional opposition.

For the Cook Islands, the challenge is now to turn September’s historic victory into sustained progress and establish a more competitive presence in Oceania football.

The 18 players selected are Emmett Connolly, Tacettin Kumsuz, Kerim Kumsuz, Eren Kumsuz, Thane Beal, Dallas Rongokea, Maui Denny, Jeremiah Williams, Dwayne Tiputoa, Dalziel Beal, Tremaine Rimene-Albrett, Ngametua Tuakana, Cade Mapu, Ngereine Maro, Nicholas Smith, Eliakima Webb, Avi Enoka and Shane Tuteru.

Rhys Ruka remains head coach, assisted by Jarves Aperau, with Dr Paul Allsworth serving as team manager and Tyson Tekeu as assistant manager and goalkeeping coach.