'I want to make a lasting impact': Griffiths to take charge of Cook Islands

Ron Griffiths, the newly appointed coach of the Cook Islands, aims to establish a coaching succession plan during the upcoming Pacific Championships, while also preparing the Moana squad for their quest to qualify for the 2028 Women's World Cup.

Griffiths, who currently serves as the coach for the Warriors in the NRLW, will lead the Moana team in the Pacific Cup, facing off against Papua New Guinea and Tonga, marking a significant achievement for the Cook Islands Rugby League Association.

As a two-time premiership-winning coach in the NRLW with the Newcastle Knights in 2022 and 2023, Griffiths also oversees the men's Indigenous All Stars team and has played a pivotal role in the Warriors' return to the NRLW this season.

Despite the Cook Islands missing out on qualification for the upcoming World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea after a setback against Fiji in last year's Pacific qualifying tournament, Griffiths is optimistic about the team's future both on and off the field.