New Zealand vs Cook Islands Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup | Pool Stage
by Alex Sarwar ·
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Cook Islands takes on a New Zealand side edged out by Australia in an opening night thriller, but the biggest loss came in the form of an injury.
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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New Zealand team news: Ponga blow
Having lit up opening night with two tries in a bamboozling display vs Australia, New Zealand star Kalyn Ponga suffered what turned out to be a broken arm in the second half. That rules him out of this game and possibly the rest of the tournament, depending on how far New Zealand progress.
Squad: Keano Kini, Jamayne Isaako, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Casey McLean, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Kodi Nikorima, Jahrome Hughes, James Fisher-Harris, Jeremy Marshall-King, Joseph Tapine, Xavier Willison, Scott Sorensen, Erin Clark, Te Maire Martin, Leo Thompson, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Jacob Laban, Isaiah Papali'i, Briton Nikora, Dane Gagai, Naufahu Whyte, Moses Leota
Cook Islands team news: Be my Valentine
Val Holmes came into the tournament with a syndesmosis injury suffered in the NRL, but has been passed fit to play against New Zealand, although Marata Niukore miss out with a groin problem.
Squad: Val 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, David Tuariki, Makahesi Makatoa, Chaev Kolone, Glassie Glassie, Brody Tamarua, Esom Ioka, Pride Petterson-Robati, Reuben Porter
Will Australia and New Zealand rematch in this year's Men's Rugby League World Cup final?
Open poll and resultsNew Zealand vs Cook Islands prediction
New Zealand may not be as dynamic without Kalyn Ponga in their line-up, but the full-back is just a cog in what looks to be a very effective Kiwi machine capable of dealing out some serious damage to Cook Islands. Fiji made light work of the Aitu last weekend, winning 40-12 and proving what many thought heading into this tournament, that Cook Island was by far the weakest team in Pool A.
There’s no doubt that New Zealand would love another crack at Australia down the stretch after that agonising 24-22 defeat in which they matched the reigning champions throughout. But to make that happen, they need to care of business in games such as this and with a stacked squad far superior to Cook Islands, this should wind up being a rout.
New Zealand vs Cook Islands tip: New Zealand to win with -53.5 handicap
