RLWC2021: The strongest possible Cook Islands line-up at World Cup

We’re creating the strongest possible line-ups for every nation ahead of the World Cup, in collaboration with He Can Play For. This week, it’s Cook Islands!

In these weekly feature pieces, we are selecting the strongest possible side who can represent Cook Islands. This can include players born in that country, with heritage to the nation or even residency.

The first two were France and Jamaica. Now it is time for the Cook Islands…

Holmes was born in Australia to a Cook Islander mother and a New Zealander father.

The 26-year-old has won 13 caps for birth country Australia but would be allowed to switch allegiances to the Cook Islands as they aren’t a tier one nation. He would not be allowed to represent New Zealand due to them being a tier one country. Australia, New Zealand and England are the only tier one nations.

Rapana was born in New Zealand and is of Maori, Cook Islands and Italian descent.

The 32-year-old made his debut for the Cook Islands in the 2013 World Cup. He switched allegiances to represent the Kiwis in 2016, where he has since played 11 games. Rapana played for New Zealand at the last World Cup in 2017, but could he switch back to represent the Kukis?

Takairangi was born in Australia and is of New Zealander and Cook Islands descent.

The Hull KR utility made his international debut for the Cook Islands in 2009 and played in the 2013 World Cup. Like Rapana, Takairangi switched allegiances to New Zealand for the 2017 World Cup. The 32-year-old has won seven caps for the Cook Islands and four for New Zealand.

HULL KR: Brad Takairangi aims to make waves with Cook Islands at World Cup

Marsters was born in Auckland, New Zealand and is of Cook Islands and Maori heritage.

The 25-year-old made his international