The Cook Islands have officially secured the final qualification spot for the upcoming 2024 Rugby League World Cup after a dominant performance against South Africa. In a decisive match held at Western Sydney Stadium on Sunday, the Cook Islands triumphed with a score of 58-6, showcasing their skill and determination.
Leading the charge for the Cook Islands was Marata Niukore, a prominent player from the Warriors, who scored two tries during the match. Despite fielding a team without any National Rugby League (NRL) players and comprising mostly State Cup members, the Pacific nation proved to be formidable opponents. South Africa initially took the lead with a try, making the score 6-4, but this early advantage quickly faded as the Cook Islands gained momentum.
The turning point came when prop Davvy Moale crashed through three defenders to score, bringing the score to 10-6. This marked the beginning of a scoring spree that saw the Cook Islands dominate the rest of the match. Just before half-time, both Esan Marsters and Niukore scored, solidifying their lead.
In the second half, the Cook Islands continued their onslaught. Five-eighth Cassius Cowley added two tries to his tally, while Niukore completed his double with another impressive run. One of the standout moments of the game came from Brendan Piakura, who executed a brilliant play by splitting two defenders and dodging the South African fullback to score. Additionally, KL Iro capped off a remarkable 60-metre effort, showcasing the depth of talent within the Cook Islands squad.
This victory marks the Cook Islands’ fourth appearance in the Rugby League World Cup, a significant achievement for the team and the nation. The tournament is set to kick off on October 15, 2024, in Sydney, with Australia and New Zealand opening the competition. The five-week tournament will feature ten teams divided into three groups during the preliminary stage. Group A will consist of Australia and New Zealand, who will compete with two other teams, while Groups B and C will each face off against three teams from the opposing group, forming a single six-team ladder.
As the Cook Islands prepare for this prestigious event, their recent performance against South Africa serves as a powerful reminder of their potential on the international stage. Fans eagerly await the tournament’s commencement and the thrilling matches that lie ahead, culminating in the final at Lang Park in mid-November.
