Cook Island Rugby League Team Connects with Culture Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
Queensland Origin star Val Holmes joined the Cook Islands team on a trip to Rarotonga as they reconnected with their culture before Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
Holmes, who is 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.
The former Kangaroos back, whose mother Lucy was born in the Cook Islands, trained with his future international teammates, helping Hunt and Alex Glenn prepare the Aitu for their most important match in six years.
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.
The Aitu will also be strengthened by Warriors forward Marata Niukore and Rabbitohs prop Davvy Moale, who missed the Pacific Championships campaign in Port Moresby before the squad flew to Rarotonga for their camp.
By Nrl Senior Reporter Brad Walter
Author’s summary: Val Holmes and the Cook Islands rugby league team reconnect with their roots as they prepare for a crucial World Cup qualifier, aiming to join RLWC26’s elite lineup.