Cook Island Rugby League Team Reconnects with Heritage Before World Cup Qualifiers
Queensland Origin star Val Holmes joined the Cook Islands squad on a trip to Rarotonga as they embraced their culture prior to their World Cup qualifier against South Africa. Holmes, recovering from a shoulder injury that ended his NRL season with the Dragons, committed to representing the Cook Islands if they secure the last spot at RLWC26.
The former Kangaroos back, whose mother Lucy was born in the Cook Islands, trained alongside his future international teammates. Together, they prepared under the guidance of Hunt and Alex Glenn for their most crucial match in six years.
Significance of the Qualifier
The winner of this RLWC26 qualifier will join top international teams such as the Kangaroos, Kiwis, England, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Lebanon, and France at the World Cup hosted in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Team Reinforcements
- Warriors forward Marata Niukore
- Rabbitohs prop Davvy Moale
Both players, who missed the Pacific Championships campaign in Port Moresby, have rejoined the squad for the training camp in Rarotonga.
Val Holmes has pledged his allegiance to the Cook Islands if they claim the last berth at RLWC26 at CommBank Stadium.
The team’s focus on culture and unity aims to strengthen their performance for this pivotal match.
Author's summary: Val Holmes and the Cook Islands rugby league team embrace their cultural roots and prepare with key players to secure a historic spot at the RLWC26 World Cup.
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