New Zealand vs Cook Islands Rugby League World Cup 2026 Tips & Predictions - Kiwis Start Fast

Jeremy Darke

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Last updated: Wed. 21 Oct. 2026 12:41

Jeremy Darke 52 minutes ago

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New Zealand are strongly tipped to cover a -25.5 first-half handicap against the Cook Islands.
Casey McLean is backed to score at least two tries, further boosting New Zealand’s outlook.
Cook Islands, having lost 40-12 to Fiji, face a daunting challenge despite Valentine Holmes' debut.
Kick-off: 4:05pm AEDT, Sunday, 25 October 2026, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch

New Zealand vs Cook Islands Rugby League World Cup 2026 Tips

New Zealand vs Cook Islands Rugby League World Cup 2026 Tips – Kiwis Tipped to Run Riot Early

New Zealand are backed to blow Cook Islands away in the first half of Sunday's Rugby League World Cup clash, with the Kiwis -25.5 first-half handicap our best bet.

New Zealand vs Cook Islands Rugby League World Cup 2026 Tips – Kiwis Tipped to Run Riot Early
New Zealand vs Cook Islands Key Stats
New Zealand vs Cook Islands Head to Head
New Zealand Form Analysis
Cook Islands Form Analysis
New Zealand vs Cook Islands Team News
New Zealand vs Cook Islands Team Lists

Cook Islands were torn apart by Fiji in their tournament opener, trailing 28-0 at half-time before eventually losing 40-12. New Zealand, meanwhile, pushed Australia all the way in a narrow 24-22 defeat, showing plenty of attacking quality against one of the tournament favourites.

We're expecting the Kiwis to come out firing, making Over 5.5 points in the opening 10 minutes one of the best-odds picks in a tough market. The strong start will continue after the early try and New Zealand will be well on their way to a comfortable victory by covering the rather large 25.5-point handicap at half time.

Casey McLean is also backed to have a field day against the Cook Islands defence, with McLean 2+ tries the most comfortable try scoring pick with the Penrith centre expected to reach 10 tries in 6 matches played for the Kiwis.

New Zealand vs Cook Islands Key Stats

Cook Islands conceded 28 unanswered first-half points against Fiji in Round 1.
New Zealand scored 22 points in their opening 24-22 defeat to Australia.
Casey McLean has scored eight tries in his first five Tests for New Zealand.
Fiji scored seven tries against Cook Islands in their tournament opener.
New Zealand won all three matches in their 2025 Pacific Championship campaign.

New Zealand vs Cook Islands Head to Head

New Zealand won the only previous senior Test between the nations 84-10 at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup, scoring 15 tries in a 74-point victory.

New Zealand Form Analysis

New Zealand opened their World Cup campaign with a narrow 24-22 defeat to Australia, having led 22-20 late in the contest.

Kalyn Ponga scored twice and ran 253 metres before suffering a broken arm, ruling him out of Sunday's match. Keano Kini takes over at fullback, while Jahrome Hughes and Kodi Nikorima retain their places in the halves.

Casey McLean continued his outstanding international scoring record with another try against Australia, taking his tally to eight tries in five Tests. Jamayne Isaako also enters the match following a 23-try NRL season with the Dolphins.

The Kiwis won all three of their 2025 Pacific Championship matches and have claimed four victories in their last five internationals.

Cook Islands Form Analysis

Cook Islands endured a difficult start to their World Cup campaign, losing 40-12 to Fiji after conceding 28 unanswered points in the opening half.

Their defence was breached seven times, although they showed some improvement after the break, with Maui Winitana-Patelesio and Davvy Moale crossing for tries.

Valentine Holmes returns from an ankle injury to make his Cook Islands debut at fullback, providing a significant boost to the backline.

Brad Takairangi has been named at halfback, while Rua Ngatikaura starts at hooker as Cook Islands look to improve on their disappointing opening performance.

New Zealand vs Cook Islands Team News

New Zealand are without Kalyn Ponga following his broken arm against Australia, with Keano Kini named at fullback.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad comes into the centres, while Xavier Willison, Scott Sorensen and Erin Clark have been promoted into the starting forward pack. James Fisher-Harris captains the side.

Cook Islands welcome Valentine Holmes at fullback, with Brad Takairangi named in the halves alongside Maui Winitana-Patelesio.

New Zealand vs Cook Islands Team Lists

New Zealand	No.	Cook Islands
Keano Kini	1	Valentine Holmes
Jamayne Isaako	2	Paul Ulberg
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad	3	KL Iro
Casey McLean	4	Reubenn Rennie
Ronaldo Mulitalo	5	Cameron Brown
Kodi Nikorima	6	Maui Winitana-Patelesio
Jahrome Hughes	7	Brad Takairangi
James Fisher-Harris (c)	8	Davvy Moale
Jeremy Marshall-King	9	Rua Ngatikaura
Joseph Tapine	10	Rhys Dakin
Xavier Willison	11	Amare Milford
Scott Sorensen	12	Delahia Wigmore
Erin Clark	13	Mason Teague
Te Maire Martin	14	Esan Marsters
Leo Thompson	15	K-CI Newton-Whare
Tanner Stowers-Smith	16	David Tuariki
Jacob Laban	17	Makahesi Makatoa
Isaiah Papali'i	18	Chaev Kolone
Briton Nikora	19	Glassie Glassie
Dane Gagai	20	Brody Tamarua
Naufahu Whyte	21	Esom Ioka
Moses Leota	22	Pride Petterson-Robati
—	23	Reuben Porter

Verdict

New Zealand v Cook Islands

New Zealand -25.5 first-half handicap is our best bet after Cook Islands conceded 28 points before the break against Fiji. Casey McLean 2+ tries and Over 5.5 points in the opening 10 minutes complete our selections as we back the Kiwis to start fast.