Valentine Holmes is set to make his long-awaited debut for the Cook Islands this weekend in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. CIRL/26102115
Former Australian international star winger Valentine Holmes is set to make his long-awaited debut for the Cook Islands this weekend in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
The Aitu take on the New Zealand Kiwis in a Group A clash in Christchurch this Saturday at 7.05pm (Cook Islands time). The national side went down to Fiji 12–40, while the Kiwis lost to the Kangaroos 22–24 in a thrilling World Cup opening match last Thursday.
Holmes, who has represented the Australian Kangaroos in 21 Test matches, scoring 20 tries and kicking 22 goals for a total of 124 points, is looking forward to representing the Cook Islands.
Although he was not included in the match against Fiji, he received clearance from his NRL club, the St. George Illawarra Dragons, this week to feature against the Kiwis.
“It’s been a couple of years in the making now. I’ve been wanting to play, (was) pretty keen to play with the boys against Fiji,” Holmes told ABC this week. “I had to be cleared by the Dragons and they’ve done that and I’ve been training really hard to try and get back.”
“I’m really looking forward to just get through this week and hopefully pull on the jersey on Sunday (Saturday).”
Holmes, whose mother hails from Tava’enga, Mangaia, has been named in the starting lineup at fullback against the Kiwis.
The 31-year-old is among several players making their debut in this year’s Rugby League World Cup, including three who ran out for the Cook Islands for the first time last week.
Holmes said the time spent with his fellow Cook Islands teammates has been valuable, as they have learned a lot about their culture and heritage.
“It’s learning more about our culture and learning the pe’e and how we do our prayers and pray before our feed. All the little things that really go a long way.”
Holmes has also been an inspiration to the younger players on the team and enjoyed the opportunity to interact with former players who visited camp to share their experience of representing the country.
“Watching them learn and trying to draw my wisdom to those boys training or around the meeting rooms, it’s been really cool,” he said of the youngsters.
“I think (experiences of former reps) definitely been good for the younger boys as well, but even for people like myself. Learning about the people who wore the jersey before us and what it takes to wear this jersey and what it means to them. Trying to remember that as you put it on, as you wear it and make them proud and make the family proud.”
Holmes is calling on the Cook Islands fans to come out in numbers, adding “we’ll need it obviously going against Kiwi”.
“It’s hard to put on this jersey and to go against these guys. So it’s a big credit and hopefully we can inspire more.”
Teams
Cook Islands: Valentine Holmes, Paul Ulberg, KL Iro (C), Reubenn Rennie, Cameron Brown, Maui Winitana-Patelesio, Esan Marsters, Davvy Moale, Ruatapu Ngatikaura, Rhys Dakin, Amare Milford, Delahia Wigmore, Mason Teague. Interchange/Reserves: K-Ci Newton-Whare, David Tuariki, Makahesi Makatoa, Brad Takairangi, Chaev Kolone, Glassie Glassie, Brody Tamarua, Esom Ioka, Pride Petterson-Robati, Reuben Porter. Head Coach: Karmichael Hunt.
New Zealand Kiwis: Keano Kini, Jamayne Isaako, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Casey McLean, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Kodi Nikorima, Jahrome Hughes, James Fisher-Harris (c), Jeremy Marshall-King, Joseph Tapine, Xavier Willison, Scott Sorensen, Erin Clark. Interchange & Reserves: Te Maire Martin, Leo Thompson, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Jacob Laban, Isaiah Papali'i, Briton Nikora, Dane Gagai, Naufahu Whyte, Moses Leota. Head Coach: Stacey Jones.