Papua New Guinea vs Cook Islands Preview & Prediction | 2025 Pacific Championships | Pacific Bowl

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Jason Demetriou’s Papua New Guinea takes on Cook Islands, who are looking to bounce back after defeat in their first game.

Start date/time:

How to watch on TV/online: UK – Sky Sports Mix & Sky Go / US – Not televised

Papua New Guinea vs Cook Islands prediction

The Cook Islands defence were outclassed by the offensive play of Fiji in their last match, with eight tries give up by Karmichael Hunt’s men in a 44-24 defeat. It doesn’t get any easier for them here, with Papua New Guinea lying in wait. The number six ranked team in the world, PNG are another offensively strong team who are likely to be afforded joy here.

It may take time for things to click into gear for PNG, whilst Cook Islands should be fast starters with their players having had the chance to play together more recently in a competitive environment. But over the course of 80 minutes, PNG should come out on top.

Papua New Guinea vs Cook Islands tip: Papua New Guinea to win with -18.5 handicap