Papua New Guinea vs Cook Islands: Kick-off Time, Venue, TV Channel and Team News

Papua New Guinea are set to meet the Cook Islands tonight in a game that, barring any shock results next week, will determine which side will meet England at Wigan’s DW Stadium in the quarter-finals.

There is also the small matter of a World Record which Rhyse Martin could break should he kick his next shot at goal which see him kick 42 conversions without missing toppling the record he currently shares with Liam Finn and Jamie Ellis.

Here’s everything you need to know about the game.

Kick-off time and venue

The game kicks off at 19:30 at Warrington Wolves’ Halliwell Jones Stadium.

TV Channel

TV coverage starts at 19:05 on BBC Three.

Team News

With Xavier Coates leaving the camp through injury, PNG will again have Dan Russell and Rodrick Tai on the wings. Rhyse Martin will play chasing down that World Record and will be joined by Leigh Leopards stars Nene MacDonald, Lachlan Lam and Edwin Ipape. Ex-Leeds Rhinos man Wellington Albert will feature as will NRL stars Alex Johnston and Justin Olam.

Alex JOHNSTON
Nene MACDONALD
Justin OLAM
Kyle LAYBUTT
Lachlan LAM
Wellington ALBERT
Edwin IPAPE
Sylvester NAMO
Nixon PUTT
Rhyse MARTIN
Jacob ALICK
Daniel RUSSELL
McKenzie YEI
Emmanuel WAINE
Keven APO
Jimmy NGUTLIK
Rodrick TAI
Jeremiah SIMBIKEN
Watson BOAS

Cook Islands will have Huddersfield Giants bound centre Esan Marsters and his cousin Steven – who is open to a Super League move himself – in the side alongside ex-Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves man Anthony Gelling. Hull KR’s departing Brad Takairangi may start in the halves after a sublime stint off the bench. He’ll be joined by Featherstone Rovers’ Johnathon Ford. Leeds Rhinos’ Zane Tetevano will be at 13 against teammate Martin. Meanwhile, ex-St Helens man Dom Peyroux will feature as will the son of former Saints star Kevin Iro, Kayal. His uncle Tony coaches the side.

Kayal IRO
Paul ULBERG
Anthony GELLING
Esan MARSTERS
Steve MARSTERS
Brad TAKAIRANGI
Johnathon FORD
Makahesiv MAKATOA
Aaron TEROI
Tepai MOEROA
Dominique PEYROUX
Brendan PIAKURA
Zane TETEVANO
Tinirau ARONA
Reubenn RENNIE
Rua NGATIKAURA
Moses NOOVAO-MCGREAL
Davvy MOALE
Vincent RENNIE