Cook Islands squad includes Salford Red Devils new signing, ex-Super League forwards
From left to right: Zane Tetevano, Esan Marsters and Brad Takairangi will feature for the Cook Islands in the 2024 Pacific Championships
Salford Red Devils’ new recruit Esan Marsters has been named in the Cook Islands squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships.
Karmichael Hunt’s side face Fiji on October 6 before take on Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on November 3 in the Pacific Bowl.
Marsters enjoyed an impressive season with Huddersfield, scoring six tries and providing eight assists in 19 Super League appearances in 2024.
The eight-time Cook Islands international, who has also won six caps for New Zealand, will join Salford on a three-year contract from 2025.
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And there are a couple of more names in the Cook Islands squad who British rugby league fans will be familiar with.
The Kukis will be captained by Brad Takairangi, who spent two seasons in Super League with Hull KR between 2021 and 2022.
Meanwhile, former Leeds Rhinos forward Zane Tetevano will represent the Cook Islands this autumn before retiring from playing.
Toulouse Olympique forward Reubenn Rennie will look to add to his seven Cook Islands caps this month, whilst former Featherstone Rovers prop Makahesi Makatoa has also been included in the squad.
Melbourne Storm forward Tepai Moeroa, who has been linked with a move to Super League for next season, brings a wealth of experience to the Kukis’ pack having made more than 130 appearances in the NRL.
Hunt has named four potential debutants in his 21-man squad – Delahia Wigmore, Junior Teroi, Mason Teague and Rixson Andrew.
Cook Islands squad for 2024 Pacific Championships
* Highlights potential debutant
Brad Takairangi
Davvy Moale
Delahia Wigmore*
Esan Marsters
Esom Ioka
Junior Teroi*
Justin Makierere
Kobe Tararo
Makahesi Makatoa
Malachi Morgan
Mason Teague*
Pride Petterson-Robati
Reuben Porter
Reubenn Rennie
Rhys Dakin
Rixson Andrew*
Rua Ngatikaura
Steven Marsters
Tepai Moeroa
Xavier Willison
Zane Tetevano
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