Cook Island Rugby League Team Reconnects with Culture Before World Cup Qualifiers
Queensland Origin star Val Holmes joined the Cook Islands team on a trip to Rarotonga to reconnect with their culture ahead of Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
Holmes, recovering from a shoulder injury that cut short his NRL season with the Dragons, has pledged his allegiance to the Cook Islands if they secure the final spot at RLWC26 at CommBank Stadium.
The former Kangaroos back, whose mother Lucy was born in the Cook Islands, trained with his future international teammates, assisting Hunt and Alex Glenn in preparing the Aitu for their most significant match in six years.
RLWC26 Qualifier Context
The winner of this qualifier will join the Kangaroos, Kiwis, England, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Lebanon, and France at the World Cup in Australia and PNG.
Key Players Boosting the Team
- Marata Niukore, Warriors forward
- Davvy Moale, Rabbitohs prop
Both Niukore and Moale missed the Pacific Championships campaign in Port Moresby but have flown to Rarotonga for the training camp ahead of the qualifier.
"Holmes, recovering from a shoulder injury that cut short his NRL season with the Dragons, has pledged his allegiance to the Cook Islands if they secure the final spot at RLWC26 at CommBank Stadium."
Author's summary: Val Holmes and key players prepare the Cook Islands rugby league team culturally and physically for a crucial World Cup qualifier after overcoming injuries and missed opportunities.