RLWC2021 – Papua New Guinea v Cook Islands: Team news, how to watch on TV & predictions
Everything you need to know – Papua New Guinea v Cook Islands.
Cook Islands could dump Papua New Guinea out of the World Cup if they can upset the odds and win this one at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
The Kumuls lost a closely fought game against Tonga, while Cook Islands were made to work to beat Wales in their opening game.
Match details
- Papua New Guinea v Cook Islands
- Date: Tuesday 25th October
- Kick-off time: 7.30pm
- Venue: Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington
- Group D
Papua New Guinea v Cook Islands team news
Papua New Guinea 19-man squad: 1. Alex Johnston, 3. Nene MacDonald, 4. Justin Olam, 6. Kyle Laybutt, 7. Lachlan Lam, 8. Wellington Albert, 9. Edwin Ipape, 10. Sylvester Namo, 11. Nixon Putt, 12. Rhyse Martin, 13. Jacob Alick, 15. Daniel Russell, 16. McKenzie Yei, 17. Emmanuel Waine, 18. Keven Apo, 19. Jimmy Ngutlik, 20. Rodrick Tai, 22. Jeremiah Simbiken, 23. Watson Boas.
Cook Islands 19-man squad: 1. Kayal Iro, 2. Paul Ulberg, 3. Anthony Gelling, 4. Esan Marsters, 5. Steve Marsters, 6. Brad Takairangi, 7. Johnathon Ford, 8. Makahesi Makatoa, 9. Aaron Teroi, 10. Tepai Moeroa, 11. Dominique Peyroux, 12. Brendan Piakura, 13. Zane Tetevano, 15. Tinirau Arona, 16. Reubenn Rennie, 17. Rua Ngatikaura, 18. Moses Noovao-McGreal, 20. Davvy Moale, 21. Vincent Rennie.
What the two camps are saying
Papua New Guinea captain Rhyse Martin said after the defeat to Tonga: “We’ve just shown that we’re up there. To not get the win comes down to a few little things, but the way we hung in there, teams will have to get up when they play us because if we keep playing like that, we’re going to be hard to beat.”
Cook Islands coach Tony Iro said: “We know plenty of the Papua New Guinean and Tongan boys. As most of our team, they play regularly in competitions and we’re looking forward to the challenge. I think we have the squad to do it (reach quarter-finals).”
How can I watch the game on TV?
Every game across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair World Cup tournaments is being broadcast by the BBC.
Papua New Guinea v Cook Islands is on BBC iPlayer, Red Button and BBC Sport Online.
READ: How to watch every Rugby League World Cup game on the BBC
Odds and predictions
Papua New Guinea are 1/6 favourites to get their first win of the tournament, while Cook Islands are 9/2 with Planet Sport Bet, who are offering -14 on the handicap.
More World Cup content
Cook Islands boss Tony Iro believes six teams could realistically win World Cup
