Cook Island Rugby League Team Connects with Culture Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Queensland Origin star Val Holmes joined the Cook Islands 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 for RLWC26 at CommBank Stadium.

The former Kangaroos back, whose mother Lucy was born in the Cook Islands, trained with his future international teammates and assisted Hunt and Alex Glenn in preparing the Aitu for their most crucial match in six years.

Significance of the RLWC26 Qualifier

The winner of the qualifier will join top teams such as the Kangaroos, Kiwis, England, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Lebanon, and France in the World Cup hosted in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Additional Team Support

The Aitu will be strengthened by Warriors forward Marata Niukore and Rabbitohs prop Davvy Moale, who missed the Pacific Championships in Port Moresby before heading to Rarotonga for the training camp.

“Queensland Origin star Val Holmes, recovering from a shoulder injury that cut short his NRL season, has pledged his allegiance to the Cook Islands if they claim the last berth at RLWC26.”

Summary: Val Holmes and key players of the Cook Islands rugby league team embraced their cultural roots while gearing up for a vital World Cup qualifier that could secure their place among the top rugby nations.

Samoa Global News — 2025-11-04