One New Zealand Warriors powerhouse Marata Niukore is set to reignite his international career with the Cook Islands, returning to represent the island nation for the first time since 2019.
The 29-year-old second rower has been named in the Cook Islands squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships, following his omission from New Zealand’s final team.
A six-Test Kiwi between 2022 and 2024, Niukore found himself squeezed out amid fierce competition for second row spots, with coach Stacey Jones preferring Briton Nikora, Scott Sorensen, Isaiah Papali’i and NRL grand final hero Xavier Willison.
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Veteran forward strengthens Cook Islands squad
Niukore last featured for the Kukis in 2019, having debuted for them two years earlier. His return comes as a major boost for coach Karmichael Hunt, who will lead the Cook Islands in the Pacific Bowl competition in Port Moresby. The side faces Fiji on October 18 and Papua New Guinea on October 25 as they chase a spot in the November 9 final.
The squad also includes Broncos premiership-winner Brendan Piakura and former Warriors centre KL Iro, alongside several players with New Zealand club links such as Brody Tamarua, Paul Ulberg and Pride Petterson-Robati.
For Niukore, the return offers both redemption and renewal, a chance to bring his trademark physicality and experience back to the nation where his international journey began.
After the disappointment of missing out on Kiwi selection, the Warriors enforcer will now channel his energy into helping the Kukis make their mark on the Pacific stage.
The Cook Islands open their campaign in Port Moresby on October 18 against the Fiji Bati.