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 as they reconnected with their culture before Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa. Holmes, recovering from a shoulder injury that cut short 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 with his future international teammates while helping Hunt and Alex Glenn prepare the Aitu for their crucial match. The winner of the RLWC26 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 PNG.
The Aitu will also gain strength from Warriors forward Marata Niukore and Rabbitohs prop Davvy Moale, who missed the Pacific Championships campaign in Port Moresby before joining the squad in Rarotonga for their camp.
"Queensland Origin star Val Holmes, recovering from a shoulder injury that cut short his NRL season with the Dragons, has pledged his allegiance to the Cook Islands if they claim the last berth at RLWC26."
"The winner of the RLWC26 qualifier will join the Kangaroos, Kiwis, England, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Lebanon and France at the World Cup in Australia and PNG."
RLWC26 Qualifier Impact
- Val Holmes returns to the Cook Islands squad after injury.
- Holmes assists teammates in final preparations for the qualifier.
- Key players Marata Niukore and Davvy Moale strengthen the team.
- Victory leads to participation in the World Cup alongside top rugby league nations.
Summary: Val Holmes and key players rejoin the Cook Islands Rugby League team as they reconnect with their roots ahead of the RLWC26 qualifier against South Africa, aiming for a World Cup spot.
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