Fiji vs Cook Islands Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup | Pool Stage
by Alex Sarwar ·
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The stakes could not be higher for Fiji and Cook Islands, who do battle in Pool A after Australia and New Zealand played out a thriller on opening night.
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Fiji team news: Bula misses out
Whilst there are plenty of big names in this Fiji squad, such as West Tigers captain Api Koroisau and Dolphins’ Kurt Donoghoe, head coach Mick Potter will be unable to call upon a notable name, as Koroisau’s West Tigers teammate Jahream Bula is ruled out for the Bati through injury.
Squad: Bayleigh Bentley-Hape, Sunia Turuva, Waqa Blake, Solomone Saukuru, Semi Valemei, Kurt Donoghoe, Brandon Wakeham, Jacob Saifiti, Apisai Koroisau, Mitchell Prest, Taane Milne, Kitione Kautoga, Caleb Navale, Josese Lanyon, Emosi Ravosai, Elijah Keung, Ronald Philitoga, Apenisa Driti, Jordin Leiu, Joseph Litidamu, Zion Johnson, Kylan Mafoa
Cook Islands team news: Iro key part of NRL arsenal
KL Iro is one of the most familiar names in this Cook Islands squad, playing his domestic Rugby League at NRL side Cronulla Sharks. Other NRL players set to feature for the Aitu are Makahesi Makatoa (Sydney Roosters) and Davvy Moale (Manly Sea Eagles). Both Val Holmes and Marata Niukore are injured.
Squad: Esom Ioka, Paul Ulberg, KL Iro, Reubenn Rennie, Cameron Brown, Maui Winitana-Patelesio, Esan Marsters, Davvy Moale, Mason Teague, Makahesi Makatoa, Delahia Wigmore, Reuben Porter, Pride Petterson-Robati, Rua Ngatikaura, K-CI Newton-Whare, Rhys Dakin, Brad Takairangi, Glassie Glassie, Chaev Kolone, Brody Tamarua, David Tuariki
Will either of these two nations reach the semi-finals?
Open poll and resultsFiji vs Cook Islands prediction
After having seen Australia narrowly defeat New Zealand in the first game of the tournament, Fiji will no doubt see this as an absolute must-win game against Cook Islands, who haven’t gotten the better of the Bati in a competitive Rugby League fixture since all the way back in 2009. Three-time semi-finalists, Fiji have previous when it comes to reaching the last four in this competition and shouldn’t be underestimated.
When comparing the two squads, Fiji have the superior depth to likely sustain a higher level of performance for longer compared to Cook Islands, who’ve struggled when it comes to international competition in recent years. Each of the last three Pacific Bowls have seen Fiji get the better of the Aitu, winning by 20 points or more in both 2024 and 2025. You would expect them to win out once again in 2026, this time on the biggest stage of them all. Utilise the handicap market and back Fiji to claim the points.
Fiji vs Cook Islands tip: Fiji to win with -18.5 handicap
