Cook Islands Secure Rugby League World Cup Spot
The Cook Islands have qualified for the IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026 after a dominant 58-6 victory over South Africa in the RLWC26 qualifying match held Sunday at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.
Qualification Details
The Cook Islands join nine other men's teams to compete in the World Cup next season, including Australia, England, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and Wales. They became the 14th nation to secure a place in RLWC26 by delivering a commanding second-half performance.
Player Reactions
"Going to the World Cup, it's massive for us," said KL Iro, a Cronulla Sharks player in the NRL, expressing his excitement after the match. "We spoke about it over the last four weeks. Really stoked to get this, this reward. I thought we were punishing ourselves, like the last couple games in Fiji and Papua New Guinea."
Teammate Brendan Piakura added, "I'm excited, exciting times," reflecting on their team-building experience in Rarotonga following their Pacific Bowl campaign two weekends earlier.
Team Preparation
The team’s time together in Rarotonga proved beneficial, helping them build cohesion and focus ahead of World Cup qualification.
Author's summary: The Cook Islands secured their spot at the Rugby League World Cup 2026 with a decisive win over South Africa, highlighting strong team unity and focused preparation.
More News
- Sluggish Lakers trounced by short-handed Hawks to end winning streak
- 'Was it all worth it?', 100-year-old war veteran asks as he shares lessons learned on Remembrance Sunday | LBC
- Will Maryland National Guard riot control force stifle protests, elections?
- Over 1,700 flights cancelled across US amid FAA staffing crisis, government shutdown
- 'Phone sex, drug raids and alfresco corpses. It’s all go in Shetland' — Alison Rowat
- LIVE UPDATES: Super Typhoon Uwan
- Apple Disputes Australian Court Finding of iOS App Store Monopoly in Epic Games Battle