Tony Iro names strong Cook Islands squad for World Cup

The Cook Islands will have five Super League players among their impressive squad at this autumn’s World Cup.

Tinirau Arona (Wakefield), Dylan Napa (Catalans Dragons), Dom Peyroux (Toulouse), Brad Takairangi (Hull KR) and Zane Tetevano (Leeds) are all included in Tony Iro’s side.

There are also two players from the Championship involved – Johnathon Ford (Featherstone) and Paul Ulberg (London Broncos).

Anthony Gelling, who won a Super League Grand Final and a World Club Challenge with Wigan, will play in his second World Cup for the Cook Islands.

Huddersfield’s new recruit Esan Marsters headlines the Kukis squad, having made almost 100 appearances in the NRL for the Tigers, Cowboys and the Titans. His cousin, Steven, is also named in the Kukis side.

There are several players involved from the NRL systems – Kayal Iro (Sharks), Makahesi Makatoa (Eels), Davvy Moale (Rabbitohs), Tepai Moeroa (Storm), Ruatapu Ngatikaura (Tigers), Pride Pettersen-Robati (Warriors) and Brendan Piakura (Brisbane Broncos).

Cook Islands squad for World Cup:

Tevin Arona (Auckland)

Tinirau Arona (Wakefield)

Geoffrey Daniela (St Marys Saints)

Johnathon Ford (Featherstone)

Anthony Gelling (Auckland)

Kayal Iro (Cronulla Sharks)

Makahesi Makatoa (Parramatta Eels)

Steven Marsters (Thhirroul Butchers)

Esan Marsters (Gold Coast Titans)

Davvy Moale (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Tepai Moeroa (Melbourne Storm)

Dylan Napa (Catalans Dragons)

Ruatapu Ngatikaura (Wests Tigers)

Moses Noovao-McGreal (Norths Devils)

Pride Pettersen-Robati (New Zealand Warriors)

Dom Peyroux (Toulouse)

Brendan Piakura (Brisbane Broncos)

Reuben Poter (Tweed Heads Seagulls)

Vincent Rennie (Newtown Jets)

Reubenn Rennie (Newtown Jets)

Brad Takairangi (Hull KR)

Aaron Teroi (Central Queensland Capras)

Zane Tetevano (Leeds Rhinos)

Paul Ulberg (London Broncos)

Standby players:

Adam Tangata (Halifax)

Malachi Morgan (Southport Tigers)

The Cook Islands are in a group with Tonga, Papua New Guinea and Wales. The Kukis get their World Cup campaign underway against Wales in Leigh on Wednesday, October 19.

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