Fiji begins its 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign against the Cook Islands knowing there is little margin for error in a brutal Pool A. With Australia and New Zealand also in the group, the Bati will be targeting a strong opening-round victory in Newcastle, while the Cook Islands will be hoping to produce a major upset and keep their knockout-stage hopes alive.
Featured Men’s Rugby League World Cup
- Australia vs New Zealand → australia-vs-new-zealand-rlwc-preview-2026
- Papua New Guinea vs Lebanon → papua-new-guinea-vs-lebanon-rlwc-preview-2026
- England vs Tonga → england-vs-tonga-rlwc-preview-2026
- Fiji vs Cook Islands → fiji-vs-cook-islands-rlwc-preview-2026
Featured Women’s Rugby League World Cup
- Australia vs Samoa → australia-vs-samoa-womens-rlwc-preview-2026
Matchday Details
Sunday, October 18, 4:05pm AEDT at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Referee: Chris Kendall | Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond
Fiji: 1. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape, 2. Sunia Turuva, 3. Waqa Blake, 4. Solomone Saukuru, 5. Semi Valemei, 6. Kurt Donoghoe, 7. Brandon Wakeham, 8. Jacob Saifiti, 9. Apisai Koroisau (c), 10. Mitchell Prest, 11. Taane Milne, 12. Kitione Kautoga, 13. Caleb Navale, 14. Josese Lanyon, 15. Emosi Ravosai, 16. Elijah Keung, 17. Ronald Philitoga, 18. Apenisa Driti, 19. Jordin Leiu, R. Joseph Litidamu, R. Zion Johnson, R. Kylan Mafoa
Cook Islands: 1. Esom Ioka, 2. Paul Ulberg, 3. Kayal Iro (c), 4. Reubenn Rennie, 5. Cameron Brown, 6. Maui Winitana-Patelesio, 7. Esan Marsters, 8. Davvy Moale, 9. Mason Teague, 10. Makahesi Makatoa, 11. Delahia Wigmore, 12. Reuben Porter, 13. Pride Petterson-Robati, 14. Ruatapu Ngatikaura, 15. K-Ci Newton-Whare, 16. Rhys Dakin, 17. Bradley Takairangi, 18. Glassie Glassie, 19. Chaev Kolone, R. Brody Tamarua, R. David Tuariki
Match Preview
While Fiji have made the semi-finals in three of the last four World Cups (2008, 2013, 2017), they have a tougher task in 2026. With just two semi-final spots in Pool A, they’ll need to win at least two games, including beating either Australia or New Zealand. Their journey starts against the Cook Islands: they should win comfortably and find some form and confidence to carry into the Kangaroos and Kiwis games.
The Cook Islands are appearing in their fourth World Cup (2000, 2013, 2022 and 2026) and have never progressed beyond the pool stage (two wins, one draw, six losses), and are unlikely to win a game in this tournament.
Fiji have plenty of NRL and Super League experience, with the Wests Tigers’ Apisai Koroisau captaining them. By contrast, The Cook Islands’ primary NRL experience comes through captain Kayal Iro, with Marata Niukore and Valentine Holmes not playing in this game. If Fiji are in a ruthless mood, the halves pairing of Kurt Donoghoe and Brandon Wakeham should create plenty of opportunities for wingers Sunia Turuva and Semi Valemei. With Newcastle’s Jacob Saifiti (returning to his home ground) leading the forward pack and keen to atone for missing the NRL finals series due to suspension.
Fiji have a 9-5 record against the Cook Islands since 1992, including a 44-24 win in last year’s Pacific Championships, but this is their first World Cup game.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Fiji by 30.
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