LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Cook Islands national rugby league team is gearing up to face South Africa in a crucial qualifying play-off for the 2026 World Cup.
In preparation for this important match, the Cook Islands will also be participating in the Pacific Championships at the conclusion of the NRL season.
The final two spots for the RLWC2026, which will take place in Australia and Papua New Guinea, will be determined through play-off matches in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
The Cook Islands' clash against South Africa will be hosted by the ARLC alongside the Pacific Championships, with the winners securing their spots at the upcoming World Cup.
The significance of this match is not lost on the Cook Islands team, as their coach Taiki Areora emphasized the importance of representing their nation with pride.
Areora encouraged his players to give it their all, stating, "We need to be confident in each other.
Do this for the people back home in the Cook Islands.
Make the nation proud."
The battle for the final two spots at the 2026 World Cup is heating up, with France set to host Jamaica in Albi on October 25 in a similar qualifying play-off.
The successful teams from these matches will join the likes of Australia, England, Fiji, Lebanon, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tonga as the 10 men's teams competing at the prestigious event.
With a chance to make history and secure their place at the World Cup, the Cook Islands are gearing up for a tough but rewarding challenge against South Africa.