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New Zealand play the Cook Islands in Christchurch in Round 2 of the Rugby League World Cup, without Kalyn Ponga after he broke his arm in the opener.
New Zealand play their first home game of the tournament in Christchurch after losing the opener 24-22 to Australia, and they do it without Kalyn Ponga, who broke his arm in that game. The Cook Islands were beaten 40-12 by Fiji in Newcastle.
Below are our tip and the reasoning, the head to head, both squads and what is at stake. Every match is on our Rugby League World Cup hub.
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Match Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Competition | Rugby League World Cup, Pool A, Round 2 |
| Date | Sunday 25 October 2026 |
| Kick-off | 4:05pm AEDT (6:05pm NZDT in Christchurch) |
| Venue | One NZ Stadium, Christchurch |
| Broadcast | Seven and 7plus, free-to-air |
| Coaches | Stacey Jones (New Zealand), Karmichael Hunt (Cook Islands) |
New Zealand vs Cook Islands Tips & Prediction
Our pick: New Zealand to win. The Kiwis have won both full Tests between the sides, 84-10 at the 2000 World Cup and 50-0 in 2013, and they ran Australia to two points last week. The Cook Islands trailed Fiji 28-0 at half-time.
Losing Ponga hurts, and coach Stacey Jones has said Keano Kini is the likely replacement at fullback. Against this opponent it should not decide the result.
Best value: New Zealand 13+. The Kiwis need a big win to stay in touch with Fiji and Australia on points difference, and the Cook Islands conceded five first-half tries to Fiji.
New Zealand vs Cook Islands Head to Head
New Zealand have won both full Tests between the sides.
| Date | Result | Venue | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | New Zealand 50-0 Cook Islands | Doncaster | Friendly |
| 2000 | New Zealand 84-10 Cook Islands | Reading | World Cup |
Round 1 form
New Zealand lost 24-22 to Australia in the opener in Sydney, after leading in the second half. Kalyn Ponga scored twice before breaking his arm.
Cook Islands lost 40-12 to Fiji in Newcastle, trailing 28-0 at half-time before drawing the second half 12-12.
New Zealand vs Cook Islands Team News
Kalyn Ponga broke his forearm in the opener and has had surgery. New Zealand are keeping him in camp in the hope he can return later in the tournament, and Keano Kini is the likely fullback. Round 2 teams are named during the week, and we add the line-ups here as soon as they are out.
Kiwis Team News
Squad: James Fisher-Harris (c), Erin Clark, Dane Gagai, Jahrome Hughes, Jamayne Isaako, Keano Kini, Jacob Laban, Moses Leota, Jeremy Marshall-King, Te Maire Martin, Casey McLean, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Briton Nikora, Kodi Nikorima, Isaiah Papali’i, Kalyn Ponga, Scott Sorensen, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Joseph Tapine, Leo Thompson, Naufahu Whyte, Xavier Willison.
Cook Islands Team News
Squad: KL Iro (c), Marata Niukore (c), Cameron Brown, Rhys Dakin, Glassie Glassie, Valentine Holmes, Esom Ioka, Chaev Kolone, Makahesi Makatoa, Esan Marsters, Amare Milford, Davvy Moale, K-Ci Newton-Whare, Rua Ngatikaura, Pride Petterson-Robati, Reuben Porter, Reubenn Rennie, Brad Takairangi, Mason Teague, David Tuariki, Paul Ulberg, Delahia Wigmore, Maui Winitana-Patelesio.
What Is at Stake
Both sides lost in Round 1, so New Zealand need to win to keep pace with Fiji and Australia, who both have two points. The top two in Pool A reach the semi-finals.
| Team | Remaining pool game |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | Fiji (Sat 31 Oct, Gold Coast) |
| Cook Islands | Australia (Sat 31 Oct, Townsville) |
New Zealand vs Cook Islands Betting Markets
- Head to head: the match winner, with golden point extra time if it is level after 80 minutes.
- Line: a points start for the underdog, usually the better market when the head-to-head price is short.
- Winning margin: bands such as 1-12 and 13+.
- Try scorers: first, last and anytime try scorer markets on both squads.
- Same game multi: a result, margin and try scorers in one bet. See our same game multi guide.
Compare prices across our best NRL betting sites, which all price the World Cup.
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
#AD 18+ T&Cs Apply Imagine what you could be buying instead. For free & confidential support call 180 0858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
18+ T&C's Apply. What are you really gambling with? Chances are you're about to lose. Set a Deposit Limit For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
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New Zealand vs Cook Islands FAQs
When is New Zealand vs Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup?
Sunday 25 October 2026 at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch, kicking off at 4:05pm AEDT, which is 6:05pm in New Zealand.
Is Kalyn Ponga playing for New Zealand against the Cook Islands?
No. Ponga broke his forearm in the opener against Australia and has had surgery. Keano Kini is the likely fullback.
Who will win New Zealand vs Cook Islands?
Our pick is New Zealand, with New Zealand by 13 or more as the value bet.
Where can I watch New Zealand vs Cook Islands?
Live and free on Seven and 7plus in Australia.
More Rugby League World Cup Coverage
- Tonga vs Lebanon tips
- PNG vs Samoa tips
- England vs France tips
- Australia vs Fiji tips
- Jillaroos vs England tips
- Rugby League World Cup hub: schedule, ladder and tips
- Results and ladder
- Schedule and TV guide
- Squads
- Rugby League World Cup winners
- The final
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