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Fiji vs Cook Islands Tips & Preview - Pacific islanders clash to be one-sided in Rugby League World Cup

jeremy-darke
Jeremy Darke
Editor
Last updated: Tue 13 Oct 2026 15:27
Fiji is strongly favored to win and cover a -16.5 point line against the Cook Islands in the opening weekend of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. The inclusion of captain Api Koroisau boosts Fiji, who have beaten the Cook Islands decisively in recent meetings. The Cook Islands face player absences and fitness issues, while Fiji’s form against weaker sides has been solid. The article concludes that Fiji is likely to win by a large margin and go over their team total.
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Jeremy Darke 13 Oct 2026
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  • Fiji is expected to comfortably cover the -16.5 point line against the Cook Islands.
  • Both teams are missing key players, but Fiji's captain Api Koroisau returns.
  • Cook Islands face fitness challenges, while Fiji has dominated recent matchups.
fiji rugby league world cup
Fiji to win comfortably (Getty Images)

Fiji vs Cook Islands Verdict


It's an all Pacific Island clash to conclude the opening weekend of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup opener and Fiji can comfortable cover a -16.5 line against the Cook Islands on Sunday.

  • Both teams are affected by injuries since last time they played
  • Api Koroisau returns as captain for Fiji after missing last year's Pacific Championships
  • Fiji have won 3 straight against Cook Islands, the last two by 10 pts and 50 pts
  • Opposing fullbacks have scored 5 tries in 2 games against Cook Islands.

Head to Head


These teams played out a 44-24 Fiji win in the Pacific Bowl in Port Moresby in October last year. 5 total tries were scored in the final 20 minutes of that matchup. The previous meeting in 2024 finished 56-6 in favour of Fiji.

Fiji Form


Fiji will be without rampaging fullback Jahream Bula who is out injured but get Api Koroisau and Jacob Saifiti back in the forward pack, Koroisau's delivery from dummy half as well as game management will greatly improve Fiji's outlook in the tournament.

The Bati have consistently beaten Cook Islands but have struggled to win against better opponents.

At the previous World Cup Fiji beat Scotland and Italy in the group stage but losing to Australia. They were then beaten in the knockout stage by New Zealand.

Cook Islands Form


The Cook Islands will be without Val Holmes and Marata Niukore in this first matchup but are expected to see them on the park during the World Cup. 

Their team is objectively weaker than during last year's Pacific Championships where they finished 0-2. 

The major hurdle for this team will be playing for the entire 80 minutes each match. Many of these players haven't played a competitive game in a number of weeks which will severly affect match fitness.

Verdict

Fiji to win and cover the large line while going over their Team Total. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape is the best option for anytime tryscorer.

Best Bet1: Fiji -16.5 Line @10/11 at bet365 - 2 Units
Best Bet2: Fiji over 34.5 Team Total @4/5 at dabble - 2 Units
Best Bet3: B Bentley-Hape Anytime Tryscorer @11/10 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: A Koroisau Anytime Tryscorer @15/4 at Hollywoodbets - 1 Unit
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jeremy-darke
Jeremy Darke

Sports Editor & Betting Analyst • Sports Writer & Expert Betting Analyst

Jeremy is a freelance journalist who is a true sports activist. A die-hard fan of the NRL all his life and also has a passion for all the major American sports.


From when he was a little fella he has played most sports ranging from rugby, ice hockey, tennis and football, just to name a few. His interest in analytics and statistics helps him find the edge while writing previews and being a regular tipster.

Tipster and presenter on YouTube and a co-founder of The Sports Cap and The Basketball Fix.

You can find Jeremy on Muckrack and LinkedIn.

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