Rugby League World Cup 2026 best 19s: Cook Islands

Scott Pryde has outlined his predicted best 19-man lineup for the Cook Islands ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. The Aitu secured the final tournament spot after defeating South Africa in qualifiers and now face a difficult Group A campaign against Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia.

Pryde names NRL star Valentine Holmes at fullback alongside co-captains KL Iro and Marata Niukore in the starting side. Under head coach Karmichael Hunt, the squad also features veteran Brad Takairangi and emerging half Maui Winitana-Patelesio.