THE eighth-ranked team in the competition and the lowest-ranked in Pool A, the Cook Islands have their work cut out to inflict any upsets on Australia and New Zealand.

The Aitu will also have to put in the performance of a lifetime to overcome Fiji, whom they have not beaten since the 2009 Pacific Cup.

In fact, the Cook Islands have never played an international game against the Kangaroos, making their clash on 31st October in Townsville even more interesting and one that will go down in the history books.

The Aitu lost every game of their Pacific Bowl campaigns in 2023, 2024 and 2025, but managed to overcome South Africa, 58-6, in the World Cup Qualifiers last year to confirm their place at this year’s tournament.

That victory ended an eight-game losing run for the Islanders, with their last World Cup win coming in 2022 against Wales.

KEY PLAYERS

VALENTINE HOLMES – a 21-times-capped Australian international – has declared his allegiance to the Cook Islands after an illustrious Kangaroos career, whilst KL Iro will likely be the Aitu’s other centre following an impressive rise to prominence with Cronulla Sharks.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Tony, KL Iro already has 11 Cook Islands caps to his name and will surely add more here as captain.

Melbourne Storm prop Davvy Moale will also lead the Aitu from the front. And with four tries in nine international appearances, don’t be surprised to see the 26-year-old cross the whitewash.

COACH

Having played professional rugby league, rugby union and Australian rules football, Karmichael Hunt turned his hand to coaching after retirement, taking the Cook Islands job in 2023.

It’s been a tough baptism of fire for Hunt, with just one win in seven games as the Aitu’s boss.

SQUAD

Cameron Brown (Brisbane Tigers), Rhys Dakin (Sydney Roosters), Glassie Glassie (Wests Tigers), Valentine Holmes (St George Illawarra Dragons), KL Iro (Cronulla Sharks), Chaev Kolone (Canberra Raiders), Makahesi Makatoa (Sydney Roosters), Esan Marsters (Bradford Bulls), Amare Milford (Melbourne Storm), Davvy Moale (Melbourne Storm), K-CI Newton-Whare (Melbourne Storm), Rua Ngatikaura, Marata Niukore (New Zealand Warriors), Pride Petterson-Robati (Souths Logan Magpies), Reuben Porter (St George Illawarra Dragons), Reubenn Rennie (Toulouse Olympique), Brad Takairangi, Mason Teague (Dolphins), David Tuariki (Melbourne Storm), Paul Ulberg (Toulouse Olympique), Delahia Wigmore (Penrith Panthers), Maui Winitana-Patelesio (New Zealand Warriors).