Cook Islands coach Karmichael Hunt has praised Marata Niukore’s decision to rejoin the Aitu in their bid to qualify for next year’s Rugby League World Cup and revealed that Valentine Holmes has also pledged his allegiance to the Pacific nation.
Niukore, who represented New Zealand at the 2022 World Cup, has linked up with the Cook Islands squad in Papua New Guinea ahead of Saturday’s Pacific Championships clash with Fiji.
Holmes, currently sidelined with a season-ending shoulder injury, will be part of the Cook Islands’ coaching staff as the team prepares for its November 9 World Cup qualifier against South Africa at CommBank Stadium.
The squad will also face Fiji this weekend and Papua New Guinea on October 25 as part of their build-up.
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If the Aitu secure qualification for RLWC2026, Holmes has committed to pulling on the jersey, representing his Cook Islands heritage through his mother, Lucy.
Hunt confirmed that Holmes would have taken the field if not for injury, and that the Dragons and Maroons star will instead contribute off the field during the upcoming camp.
“Obviously with his injury he can’t put on the jersey but he is committed and wants to be a part of what we are doing here,” Hunt said to NRL.com.
“He is going to join us in our third week, which we are going back to the Cook Islands to come and connect with the guys and he is going to help me coach in Sydney, along with [former Broncos forward] Alex Glenn.
“Hopefully next year, if he is injury free and we win this game against South Africa, he can play for us in the World Cup and help to lead our boys.”
Niukore previously represented the Cook Islands at the 2017 World Cup and was instrumental in helping the Aitu qualify for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
Hunt also said that Niukore has now reaffirmed his commitment to the Cook Islands ahead of RLWC2026, joining Broncos premiership-winning forward Brendan Piakura and Sharks centre KL Iro in the national setup.