Cook Island Rugby League Team Connects with Culture Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
Queensland Origin star Val Holmes joined the Cook Islands on a trip to Rarotonga as they reconnected with their culture before Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
Holmes, recovering from a shoulder injury that ended his NRL season with the Dragons, has pledged his allegiance to the Cook Islands if they secure the last spot at RLWC26 at CommBank Stadium. His mother, Lucy, was born in the Cook Islands.
The former Kangaroos back trained alongside his future international teammates, assisting Hunt and Alex Glenn in preparing the Aitu for their most crucial match in six years.
Significance of the Qualifier
The winner of this RLWC26 qualifier will join the Kangaroos, Kiwis, England, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Lebanon, and France at the World Cup hosted in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Key Players Boosting the Squad
- Warriors forward Marata Niukore
- Rabbitohs prop Davvy Moale
Both missed the Pacific Championships campaign in Port Moresby but joined the squad in Rarotonga for training camp ahead of the match.
“Holmes has pledged his allegiance to the Cook Islands if they claim the last berth at RLWC26 at CommBank Stadium.”
The Cook Islands aim to combine cultural strength and athletic readiness in pursuit of the World Cup qualification.
Author’s summary: The Cook Islands rugby league team, strengthened by Queensland star Val Holmes and key players, embraces their cultural roots as they prepare for a decisive World Cup qualifying match.