Australia vs Cook Islands Rugby League World Cup 2026
Did you know Australia and the Cook Islands have never played each other in a men’s Test?
That changes in Townsville, where the Kangaroos meet the Aitu for the first time at the Rugby League World Cup 2026.
It’s a big night for the Aitu, who are playing the world champions on the biggest stage.
Australia vs Cook Islands is on Saturday 31 October 2026 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, kicking off at 7:05pm local time (8:05pm Sydney, 10:05pm NZ, 9:05am UK).
In the Cook Islands, it’s 11:05pm on Friday 30 October. Australia are already through to the semi-finals, and a win would make them Pool A winners.
Below, you’ll find the kick-off time in every country, both teams, our prediction, the venue, the TV channels and tickets.
We’ll add both Round 3 team lists as soon as they’re named, any late changes on match day, and the result straight after full-time.
Quick Answer: Australia vs Cook Islands Rugby League World Cup 2026
- Date: Saturday 31 October 2026
- Kick-off: 7:05pm Townsville, 8:05pm Sydney, 9:05am UK
- Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
- Head to head: First ever men’s Test between the two nations
- Round: Round 3, the last round of Pool A
- Watch: Seven and 7plus (Australia), Sky Sport (NZ), Premier Sports (UK)
What Time Is Australia vs Cook Islands?
Australia vs Cook Islands kicks off at 7:05pm Townsville time on Saturday 31 October.
| Where you are | Kick-off time |
|---|---|
| Townsville, Brisbane | 7:05pm Saturday |
| Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra | 8:05pm Saturday |
| New Zealand | 10:05pm Saturday |
| Cook Islands | 11:05pm Friday |
| UK | 9:05am Saturday |
Queensland doesn’t use daylight saving, so Townsville is an hour behind Sydney.
The Cook Islands are a day behind Australia, so fans in Rarotonga watch late on Friday night.
It’s an evening kick-off in New Zealand and a Saturday morning start for fans in the UK.
Kick-off times are as announced by the organisers and can change, so check again on match day.
Australia vs Cook Islands Team Lists
Both teams were named on Tuesday 27 October. Reece Walsh returns at fullback for Australia, and Ethan Strange is in line for a Test debut off the bench.
| No. | Australia | Cook Islands |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reece Walsh | Valentine Holmes |
| 2 | Jack Bostock | Paul Ulberg |
| 3 | Kotoni Staggs | KL Iro |
| 4 | Bradman Best | Reubenn Rennie |
| 5 | Tom Trbojevic | Cameron Brown |
| 6 | Cameron Munster | Maui Winitana-Patelesio |
| 7 | Tom Dearden | Brad Takairangi |
| 8 | Patrick Carrigan | Davvy Moale |
| 9 | Harry Grant | Rua Ngatikaura |
| 10 | Tino Fa’asuamaleaui | Rhys Dakin |
| 11 | Jacob Preston | Amare Milford |
| 12 | Liam Martin | Delahia Wigmore |
| 13 | Isaah Yeo | Mason Teague |
| 14 | Ethan Strange | K-CI Newton-Whare |
| 15 | Keaon Koloamatangi | Makahesi Makatoa |
| 16 | Cameron Murray | David Tuariki |
| 17 | Reuben Cotter | Esan Marsters |
Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Cameron Munster and Harry Grant are all back for Australia, as published on NRL.com.
For the Cook Islands, Paul Ulberg returns on the wing for the injured Esom Ioka. Late changes can be made up to an hour before kick-off.
See every side as soon as it’s named on our Rugby League World Cup 2026 team lists page.
Australia Players to Watch
Debut winger Jack Bostock scored a hat-trick in Australia’s Round 1 win over New Zealand.
Reece Walsh starts at fullback, with Cameron Munster and Harry Grant in the spine.
Tom Trbojevic scored a hat-trick against Fiji, and Tom Dearden starts at halfback with Mitch Moses injured.
Cook Islands Players to Watch
KL Iro captains the Aitu from the centres.
Valentine Holmes made his Cook Islands debut at fullback against New Zealand, a match the Aitu lost 82-16.
Brad Takairangi, 37, brings huge experience from the bench at his fourth World Cup.
Australia vs Cook Islands Head to Head
This is the first men’s Test between Australia and the Cook Islands.
The Cook Islands first played at the World Cup in 2000, while Australia have won the trophy 12 times.
Many Cook Islands players were born or raised in Australia and play in the NRL every week.
That makes it a special night for the Aitu, whatever the result.
Expect plenty of Cook Islands flags in the crowd, as many families have strong links to Queensland.
Australia vs Cook Islands Prediction
Australia start as huge favourites, with a team full of State of Origin and NRL stars.
The Cook Islands will play with pride and look to start fast in front of a big crowd.
Our pick is Australia by 30 points or more.
A win makes the Kangaroos Pool A winners, with a semi-final at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday 8 November.
Coach Kevin Walters may also rest a few players to keep them fresh for the semi-finals.
Where Is Australia vs Cook Islands Being Played?
The match is at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, the home of the North Queensland Cowboys.
The stadium opened in 2020, holds around 25,000 fans and sits on the edge of Townsville’s city centre.
Townsville is the northernmost host city in Australia, so expect a warm evening.
Magnetic Island is a short ferry ride away if you’re making a weekend of it.
The ground is a short walk from the city centre, with bars and restaurants along the way.
What Channel Is Australia vs Cook Islands On?
Australia vs Cook Islands is live in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
- Australia: Free on the Seven Network and 7plus
- New Zealand: Sky Sport
- UK and Ireland: Premier Sports (subscription)
The Cook Islands’ local broadcaster hasn’t been confirmed yet. We’ll add it here once it’s announced.
Following the Aitu from overseas? A VPN like NordVPN keeps your home streaming account working and protects you on public Wi-Fi. (We may earn a commission.)
For every other country, see our how to watch the Rugby League World Cup guide.
Australia vs Cook Islands Tickets
Tickets for Australia vs Cook Islands start from $19 AUD on Ticketmaster, the official seller.
It’s the Kangaroos’ only World Cup game in North Queensland, so expect strong demand.
Buy only from Ticketmaster, as resale tickets from other sites may not be valid.
Townsville crowds always turn out for big games, so book early for the best seats.
Flying in for the match? An Australia eSIM from Airalo keeps your phone working from the moment you land.
Australia vs Cook Islands Result
The match hasn’t been played yet. It kicks off on Saturday 31 October.
| Match | Score |
|---|---|
| Australia v Cook Islands, 31 October 2026 | To be played |
We’ll add the score and a short match report straight after full-time.
Every score from the tournament also goes on our results page, along with the latest table and the race for the semi-finals.
It’s the last round of the group stage, so this result could decide exactly which teams go through to the semi-finals in Newcastle and Sydney.
Match Updates
17 October 2026: Page published with kick-off times, Round 1 teams, the head-to-head record and our prediction.
29 October 2026: Added both Round 3 team lists and what the game means for Pool A after Australia beat Fiji 36-22.
After full-time on 31 October, we’ll add the score and a short match report.
We’ll also add any late changes to either team on match day, so check back here in the hour before kick-off for the final 17s.
Australia vs Cook Islands: FAQ
Here are quick answers to the questions fans ask most about Australia vs Cook Islands.
Each answer starts with the key fact, so you can find it fast.
For full details, see the sections above.
What time is Australia vs Cook Islands rugby league?
7:05pm Townsville time on Saturday 31 October 2026.
That’s 8:05pm in Sydney and 9:05am in the UK.
In the Cook Islands, it’s 11:05pm on Friday 30 October.
Where is Australia vs Cook Islands being played?
At Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.
It’s the home of the North Queensland Cowboys.
The stadium holds around 25,000 fans.
Have Australia ever played the Cook Islands?
No. This is the first men’s Test between the two nations.
It’s Round 3 of Pool A at the Rugby League World Cup 2026.
Australia start as clear favourites.
What channel is Australia vs Cook Islands on?
Seven and 7plus show it free in Australia.
Sky Sport has it in New Zealand, and Premier Sports in the UK.
The Cook Islands’ broadcaster is still to be confirmed.
Conclusion
Australia vs Cook Islands in Townsville on 31 October is a historic first meeting.
The Kangaroos are big favourites, but it’s a night the Aitu will remember.
Bookmark this page for the team lists and the result.
For the Cook Islands, just playing the world champions on this stage is a huge moment.
Follow both teams on our Kangaroos next game and Cook Islands next game pages, and visit rlwc2026.com for official news.
