Cook Island Rugby League Team Reconnects with Culture Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
Queensland Origin star Val Holmes joined the Cook Islands team on a trip to Rarotonga as they embraced their cultural roots before Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa. Holmes, recovering from a shoulder injury that ended his NRL season with the Dragons, has declared his commitment to the Cook Islands if they secure the last place at RLWC26 held at CommBank Stadium.
Holmes, whose mother Lucy was born in the Cook Islands, trained alongside his future international teammates, helping Hunt and Alex Glenn prepare the Aitu for this crucial match—their most significant in six years.
World Cup Qualifier Stakes
The winner of the RLWC26 qualifier will join top teams such as the Kangaroos, Kiwis, England, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Lebanon, and France at the World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Key Player Boosts for Cook Islands
- Warriors forward Marata Niukore
- Rabbitohs prop Davvy Moale
Both players, who missed the Pacific Championships campaign in Port Moresby, have joined the squad in Rarotonga for their training camp ahead of the qualifier.
"Queensland Origin star Val Holmes has pledged his allegiance to the Cook Islands if they claim the last berth at RLWC26 at CommBank Stadium."
The Cook Islands team’s focus on cultural connection and strengthened lineup aims to enhance their chances in what could be a historic World Cup qualification.
Summary: Val Holmes and key players bolster the Cook Islands rugby league squad as they reconnect with their culture, preparing to compete for a spot at RLWC26 against South Africa.
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