At the end of this year, sixteen nations will contest the Rugby League World Cup. Most casual fans would know about Australia, New Zealand and England; but over the coming weeks, we’ll introduce you to some of the other teams.

The Cook Islands have played international rugby league since 1986, and participated at the World Cup in 2000 and 2013. The majority of their 65 international clashed have been against other Pacific nations, with twelve played against Fiji and ten against Tonga.

Cook Islands defeated Wales in 2013 to win their first match at a World Cup. However, they missed qualifying for the 2017 tournament after going down to Tonga in a play-off.

In 2019, Cook Islands had big wins over South Africa in Sydney, and the USA in Florida. Their most recent test match was a loss to Samoa in June.

Coached by former New Zealand test player Tony Iro, the Cook Islands have drawn Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Wales in their pool. Their squad includes a sprinkling of NRL players, including Brisbane forward Brendan Piakura, South Sydney forward Davvy Moore, and Gold Coast centre Esan Marsters.

Fullback Kayal Iro, the son of Tony, has been touted as one of the players of the future, and has recently signed a long term contract with Cronulla after impressing for Newtown in the NSW Cup.

Queensland and Australian outside back Valentine Holmes has recently indicated he may pledge his allegiance to Cook Islands for the World Cup. That extra touch of experience and class could see Cook Islands produce some positive results.