Cook Island Rugby League Team Reconnects with Culture Before World Cup Qualifiers
Queensland Origin star Val Holmes joined the Cook Islands team on a trip to Rarotonga as they embraced their culture ahead of Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
Holmes, who is recovering from a shoulder injury that ended his NRL season prematurely with the Dragons, has committed to representing the Cook Islands if they secure the final spot at RLWC26 held at CommBank Stadium.
“The former Kangaroos back, whose mother Lucy was born in the Cook Islands, trained alongside future international teammates to support Hunt and Alex Glenn in preparing the Aitu for their most significant match in six years.”
The winner of this qualifier will join teams such as the Kangaroos, Kiwis, England, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Lebanon, and France at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
The Aitu’s squad will also benefit from the inclusion of Warriors forward Marata Niukore and Rabbitohs prop Davvy Moale, who missed the Pacific Championships in Port Moresby before joining the team’s training camp in Rarotonga.
Summary
The Cook Islands rugby league team, strengthened by key players including Val Holmes, prepares culturally and physically for their crucial World Cup qualifying match.
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