Australia vs Cook Islands Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup | Pool Stage
by Alex Sarwar ·
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
After heavily rotating against Fiji, Australia brings back plenty of big names for this encounter with Cook Islands.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / USA – Premier Player
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Australia team news: Walsh the headline return
Reece Walsh is one of several to come back into the Australia team, such as Tom Dearden, Liam Martin, Cameron Munster and Isaah Yeo. Mitchell Moses’ injury opens the door for Ethan Strange to potentially make his debut for the Kangaroos.
Squad: Reece Walsh, Jack Bostock, Kotoni Staggs, Bradman Best, Tom Trbojevic, Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden, Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Jacob Preston, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo, Ethan Strange, Keaon Koloamatangi, Cameron Murray, Reuben Cotter, Lindsay Smith, James Tedesco, Sam Walker, Latrell Mitchell, David Fifita
Cook Islands team news: Crushing Ioka blow
Esom Ioka, scorer of a hat-trick against New Zealand is the only player to be removed from the Cook Islands’ squad and he’ll be sorely missed here. He’s replaced by Paul Ulberg of Super League side Toulouse.
Squad: Valentine Holmes, Paul Ulberg, KL Iro, Reubenn Rennie, Cameron Brown, Maui Winitana-Patelesio, Brad Takairangi, Davvy Moale, Rua Ngatikaura, Rhys Dakin, Amare Milford, Delahia Wigmore, Mason Teague, Esan Marsters, K-CI Newton-Whare, Makahesi Makatoa, David Tuariki, Chaev Kolone, Glassie Glassie, Brody Tamarua, Pride Petterson-Robati, Reuben Porter
How many tries will Tom Trbojevic score here for Australia?
Open poll and resultsAustralia vs Cook Islands prediction
Australia will want to go into the semi-finals with momentum behind them and the best way to do that will be by putting plenty of points on the board against Cook Islands, who have been completed outmatched over the course of this tournament so far. A 40-12 defeat at the hands of Fiji was followed up by an 82-16 thrashing by New Zealand and the Kangaroos’ offence may well be licking their lips heading into this one.
One player in particular who could be in for a feast is the in-form Tom Trbojevic. Scorer of four tries already in this competition, Trbojevic currently sits two behind try-scoring leader Sualauvi Fa’alogo of Samoa, so this serves as the perfect opportunity for the former to catch up. With that in mind, back Trbojevic to accumulate another two tries at least in a comprehensive Aussie victory.
Australia vs Cook Islands tip: Australia to win and Tom Trbojevic to score 2+ tries
