Cook Island Rugby League Team Connects with Culture Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
Queensland Origin star Val Holmes joined the Cook Islands team on a trip to Rarotonga as they reconnected with their culture ahead of Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa. Holmes, who is recovering from a shoulder injury that cut short his NRL season with the Dragons, has pledged his allegiance to the Cook Islands if they secure the final spot at RLWC26 at CommBank Stadium.
The former Kangaroos back, whose mother Lucy was born in the Cook Islands, trained alongside his future international teammates. He helped Hunt and Alex Glenn prepare the Aitu for their most important match in six years.
RLWC26 Qualifier Stakes
The winner of the qualifier will join the Kangaroos, Kiwis, England, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Lebanon, and France at the World Cup hosted in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Team Boosts for the Qualifier
- Warriors forward Marata Niukore
- Rabbitohs prop Davvy Moale
Both players missed the Pacific Championships campaign in Port Moresby but have joined the squad’s camp in Rarotonga ahead of the qualifier.
"Queensland Origin star Val Holmes, recovering from a shoulder injury, pledged his allegiance to the Cook Islands if they claim the last berth at RLWC26."
The Aitu are preparing intensely for this pivotal match to secure their place on the global rugby league stage.
Author’s summary: The Cook Islands rugby league team, boosted by key players like Val Holmes, is reconnecting with their roots and gearing up for a crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa.