Fiji & Cook Islands meet in their first game of 2026 IRL Men's World Cup group stage on Sunday, 18th October, at the McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle (4:05pm KO local time).

Wests Tigers skipper Api Koroisau will captain the Fiji Bati in their tournament opener against Cook Islands in Newcastle on Sunday as he lines up at a fourth World Cup.

Knights prop Jacob Saifiti has served his four-game suspension and will play his eighth Test for the Bati while Dolphins utility Kurt Donoghoe and Sea Eagle Brandon Wakeham combine in the halves.

Sharks centre KL Iro captains the Cook Islands side that also includes fellow NRL stars Davvy Moale, Mason Teague and Makahesi Makatoa. The backline features Toulouse flyers Paul Ulberg and Reubenn Rennie.

Experienced playmaker Esan Marsters wears the No.7 jersey at his second World Cup while 37-year-old Brad Takairangi comes off the bench as he lines up at a fourth World Cup.

Fiji (squad): Tito (Sunia) Turuva, Solomone Saukuru, Kurt Donoghoe, Taane Milne, Kitione Kautoga, Caleb Navale, Josese Lanyon, Ronald Philitoga, Joseph Litidamu, Kylan Mafoa

Cook Islands (squad): Esom IOKA, Kayal IRO, Reubenn RENNIE, Cameron BROWN, Maui WINITANA-PATELESIO, Esan MARSTERS, Davvy MOALE, Mason TEAGUE, Makahesi MAKATOA, Del (Delahia) WIGMORE, Reuben PORTER, Pride PETTERSON-ROBATI, K-Ci NEWTON-WHARE, Rhys DAKIN, Glassie GLASSIE, Chaev KOLONE, Brody TAMARUA, David Tuariki