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Live sport on SN this weekendSharks star on mission to put Cook Islands 'on the map'
Jasper Bruce, AAP • August 22nd, 2026 8:15 am
Cronulla's KL Iro is aiming to bolster the Cook Islands squad ahead of the Rugby League World Cup | Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP
Cronulla centre KL Iro is on a mission to put his small Pacific nation of around 17,000 residents "on the map" at the Rugby League World Cup.
Iro is the highest-profile active player to have been raised in the Cook Islands, a self-governing associated state of New Zealand located between French Polynesia and American Samoa.
But many others have Cook Islander heritage, including Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Brisbane premiership winner Xavier Willison and retiring Canberra veteran Josh Papali'i.
Raiders powerhouse Josh Papalii could represent the Cook Islands | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
Papali'i is contemplating a rugby league swan song at this year's World Cup with either the Cook Islands, whom he has never represented, or Samoa - his team at the last two Cups.
As he prepares for the fifth-placed Sharks' finals tilt, Iro will soon have an eye on reigniting his campaign to bring more players on side.
New Zealand-eligible Nicoll-Klokstad and Willison are both key targets for the confident Cook Islands captain in his recruitment drive.
"I'm just hoping they can come join us and help us have a good strong campaign," Iro told AAP ahead of Sunday's clash with Gold Coast.
"They're probably still tossing up between if they make Kiwis or Cookies, but I think if the Kiwis opportunity doesn't come up, they'll come over to us for sure."
Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad would make an exciting addition | Photo: Jason O'Brien/AAP
Rugby league legend Kevin Iro bugged his son about recruiting more players for the Cook Islands while he was back in Rarotonga last year nursing a pectoral injury.
With nothing else on his plate - other than recovery and kicking back on island time - Iro got to work with an eye on the World Cup that begins this October.
"My dad was pestering me to pester everyone so that's how it started. I was messaging all the boys and trying to get them over," he said.
"I'll probably try to do the same closer to camp. But I'll try and focus in (on the Sharks) for now."
Brisbane Broncos forward Xavier Willison is another eligible for the Cook Islands | Photo: AAP
St George Illawarra centre Val Holmes has already committed to playing for the Cook Islands, while Marata Niukore and Davvy Moale were among the NRL players who featured in their most recent international last year.
Cook Islands will need as much help as possible, drawn in the same pool as New Zealand and Australia.
Advancing to the knockout stage of the tournament for the first time will realistically mean beating at least one of the two tournament favourites.
"It's a big challenge for us hey, but I think the boys are all excited," Iro said.
"Obviously playing the best players in the world is a good opportunity for us to put our little nation on the map."
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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