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Cook Islands on Hunt for final World Cup spot
Joel Gould, AAP • September 3rd, 2025 11:44 am
Cronulla star KL Iro will give Cook Islands class in their World Cup qualifier against South Africa | Photo: Brendon Thorne/AAP
Cook Islands coach Karmichael Hunt is in the midst of assembling a squad to be reckoned with as he prepares for the most important rugby league game in the nation's history.
After contesting the Pacific Championships in Papua New Guinea against Fiji and PNG following the NRL season, the Cook Islands clash with South Africa in Parramatta on November 9 to decide the 10th and final position at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
"It's a huge game for us because we are not an automatic qualifier," Hunt told AAP.
"The winner goes through to the World Cup and the Pacific Championships will be ideal preparation for that.
"At this stage I don't know much about the makeup of that South Africa team but for us it is about making the most of our time in PNG. If we do then hopefully we will be in a good position to get a performance that we want.
"We are really excited and are hopeful of landing more of our NRL talent this year."
Cook Islands coach Karmichael Hunt sizes up the opposition during his playing days with the Broncos | Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP
The World Cup, to be played in Australia and PNG, has been trimmed from 20 to 10 sides. Cook Islands have not progressed beyond the group phase before in three appearances. Hunt is expecting to have at least Cronulla centre KL Iro, Brisbane second-rower Brendan Piakura, South Sydney prop Davvy Moale and versatile Salford back Esan Marsters on deck for the Southern Hemisphere play-off clash.
Boom Broncos prop Xavier Willison is rated by dual-international Hunt as "50/50 depending on his chances with the Kiwis".
Iro missed last year's Pacific Championships with injury but the son of legendary Kevin Iro and nephew of the equally renowned Tony Iro is a key inclusion.
Cook Islands players prepare for a Pacific Test, boasting many NRL stars, against Samoa | Photo: Steven Saphore/AAP
"KL Iro just played his first game back for Cronulla from injury so provided he stays fit and healthy for the remainder of the NRL season he is going to be with us," Hunt said.
"His uncle Tony coached the Kukis for many years before I took over and his dad is involved in the management of the team as well. It is a strong name with plenty of history in the Kiwi and Cook Island jerseys.
"KL represents the culture as strong as anyone and he is someone whose game has grown immensely over the last couple of years. He will be a leader for us on and off the field so I am looking forward to being around him again.
"Rabbitohs prop Davvy Moale should be back from wrist surgery and Brendan Piakura is committed to us and a real Kuki boy.
"Xavier Willison was close to coming on tour last year. He has Kuki heritage but there are a few boys that may take that opportunity on with the Kiwis and I think Xavier is in that boat. Fingers crossed he gets what he wants. I'd love to have him in the Kuki jersey again."
St George Illawarra and Queensland star Valentine Holmes was committed to playing but a season-ending injury has ruled him out. Holmes will join the squad in an assistant coaching capacity ahead of the World Cup qualifier.
Former Broncos captain Alex Glenn will be on deck for the campaign as Hunt's assistant.
