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 to reconnect 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 alongside his future international teammates, assisting Hunt and Alex Glenn as they prepared the Aitu for their most crucial match in six years.
RLWC26 Qualification Context
The winner of this qualifier will join teams such as the Kangaroos, Kiwis, England, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Lebanon, and France at the World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Team Boosts Ahead of Qualifier
- Warriors forward Marata Niukore
- Rabbitohs prop Davvy Moale
Both players will boost the Aitu for the qualifying match after missing the Pacific Championships campaign in Port Moresby.
"Val Holmes has pledged his allegiance to the Cook Islands if they claim the last berth at RLWC26 at CommBank Stadium."
The Cook Islands team’s cultural reconnection and strengthened squad highlight their focused preparation for this vital World Cup qualifier.
Author’s summary: Val Holmes and key players bolster the Cook Islands rugby league team as they embrace their heritage and prepare for a decisive World Cup qualifier against South Africa.