Salford Red Devils and ex-Hull KR men headline Cook Islands squad for Pacific Championships

Salford Red Devils man Esan Marsters is one of the headline names in this autumn’s Cook Islands squad.

Cook Islands will be competing in the 2025 Pacific Bowl alongside Fiji and Papua New Guinea. That tournament will come before the nation hosts South Africa in what is a final qualifier for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Australian and PNG.

As such, it’s an important few weeks for the Cook Islands and coach Karmichael Hunt has named a squad with several names that will be familiar to Northern Hemisphere rugby league fans.

Salford’s Marsters is the most high profile name from Super League, with the centre going through a rough time at the Red Devils this year. He has 10 caps for Cook Islands and he’ll be keen to add to that by leading the nation of his heritage to the World Cup.

Toulouse Olympique duo Paul Ulberg and Reubenn Rennie are also involved after leading the French side to Championship success. And, the hope in the south of France is that Toulouse will be stepping up to Super League in 2026.

Ex-Hull KR man Brad Takairangi is another notable name. The 36-year-old is still playing with South West Goannas and he’ll be the most senior man in the group.

NRL stars KL Iro, Davvy Moale and Brendan Piakura will also be included.

Cook Islands play Fiji in Port Moresby on October 18 and PNG at the same venue on October 25. They then have two weeks to get ready for the game against South Africa at CommBank Stadium on November 9.

Cook Islands squad: Brad Takairangi (South West Goannas), Brendan Piakura (Broncos), Brody Tamarua (Norths Devils), Cassius Cowley (Wynnum-Manly Seagulls), Davvy Moale (Rabbitohs), Delahia Wigmore (Panthers), Esan Marsters (Salford Red Devils), Esom Ioka (Northern Pride), Justin Makirere (Norths Devils), KL Iro (Sharks), Marata Niukore (Warriors), Makahesi Makatoa (Roosters), Mason Teague (Knights), Paul Ulberg (Toulouse Olympique), Pride Petterson-Robati (Souths Logan Magpies), Reuben Porter (Wests Tigers), Reubenn Rennie (Toulouse Olympique), Rua Ngatikaura (Rabbitohs), Teapo Stoltman (Souths Logan Magpies), Tepai Moeroa (North Sydney Bears).

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