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How to sync SN commentary with TVKiwis ready to cook up a World Cup storm on home soil
Annabelle Banfield, AAP • October 24th, 2026 8:25 pm
New Zealand will be hoping to bounce back from a heartbreaking first-up World Cup loss in Australia | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
New Zealand are eagerly awaiting their clash against the Cook Islands on home soil and get their Rugby League World Cup campaign going.
After a see-sawing trans-Tasman showdown in Sydney ended with a heartbreaking two-point loss to Australia, the Kiwis enter their next match as overwhelming favourites.
Coach Stacey Jones says there were plenty of positives to take away despite going down to the Kangaroos.
"Obviously, we were disappointed in the result," the Kiwis coach said.
"There was lots of stuff that we liked, but there were moments that hurt us. We take our lessons from it and build on it for this week."
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The Cook Islands also had a disappointing first outing, beaten 40-12 in Newcastle by Fiji.
It will require a monumental effort for the Aitu to topple New Zealand, who have won convincingly in the previous games between the two nations.
The most recent match-up came 13 years ago, where the Kiwis completed a 50-0 shut out.
New Zealand hold a lot of respect for their opposition, despite the history, but will be certain to bring their best come kick-off.
"We watched the Cook Islands play on the weekend and they play with a lot of passion and pride," Jones said.
"They're a proud nation and we're really close to them. We got to rub shoulders with them the other day, but it's a Test match."
The Cook Islands fought hard in their opening 28-point loss to Fiji in Newcastle | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
The Pool A contest will be the only game played in New Zealand and the Kiwis are desperate to impress in front of their home fans.
"The whole week's been outstanding," the 46-capped former NZ captain added.
"A privilege for the Kiwis to come here and play in a sell-out crowd. We only get one game in the World Cup in New Zealand and it's in Christchurch.
"The people here have been so accommodating to us. The vibe around the city is pretty good, pretty electric."
Tune into Sport Nation for live commentary of Rugby League World Cup 2026 this October and November - download the app today on Google Play and the App Store.
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