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Cook Islands rugby league coach Karmichael Hunt is confident he is assembling a squad that can qualify for the 2026 World Cup

Cook Islands rugby league coach Karmichael Hunt is confident he is assembling a squad that can qualify for the 2026 World Cup

3 September 2025

Hunt says some players like huge Broncos prop Xavier Willison are striving to earn Kiwis selection first...but he has already confirmed three NRL players, as well as Super League talent, for November's qualifier against South Africa to determine the 10th and final position.

Former Queensland star and Kangaroo Valentine Holmes has already committed to the Cooks, but has been sidelined by a season-ending injury.

He will, however, join the squad in an assistant coaching role ahead of the World Cup qualifier.

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