Former Roosters and Sharks striker Tinirau Arona will return from England to offer experience to a young Cook Islands team called up for Saturday night’s Pacific test against Samoa.
Arona, who has played for Wakefield in the Super League since 2016, is one of seven members of the Cook Islands team to earn a place in the season-ending World Cup by playing in the 25th round. June at Campbelltown Sports Ground.
The team includes three siblings, Esan and Steven Marsters, Reuben and Vincent Rennie, and Kayal and Andre Iro, the sons of the great Kevin Iro of the Kiwis and the Cook Islands.
The team, which will be coached again by Tony Iro, also features Broncos pair Brendan Piakura and Xavier Willison, Rabbitohs Davvy Moale support, Warriors Pride Pettersen-Robati forward and Eels Makahesi Makatoa support .
“Of the seventeen men who last came out on the Cook Islands field against the U.S., only seven have returned for that match,” Iro said.
Esan Marsters performing for the Cook Islands in 2017. © NRL Photos
“We have a promising young team that will enjoy the opportunity at this level and having the experience of Tinirau will definitely help. He has been playing well at Wakefield and has not returned home for four years, so I am sure he will do very well. well. week “.
Former Warriors center Anthony Gelling and former Panthers and Tigers defender Geoff Daniela are other familiar faces on the Cook Islands team.
“It’s been two and a half long years since we last played and I know everyone in the rugby league is looking forward to playing representative football again,” Iro said.
“The main goal is to get the boys to enjoy and take advantage of the opportunity to play in the Cook Islands.
“Each nation has its own unique identity, and we are no different. The preparation for these matches is very different on club ground and I know the players will enjoy the week.”
Selection of the Cook Islands
- Tinirau Arona (Wakefield)
- Geoff Daniela (St Marys)
- Anthony Gelling (NZ)
- Newtown Jets: The Best of the Newtown Jets
- Andre Iro (Southport)
- Reece Joyce (NZ)
- Anguiles Parramatta
- Steven Marsters (Thirroul Butchers)
- Esan Marsters (Gold Coast Titans)
- Davvy Moale (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
- Malachi Morgan (Southport)
- Moses Noovao-McGreal (Northern Devils)
- Pettersen-Robati Pride (Warriors)
- Brendan Piakura (Brisbane Broncos)
- Reuben Porter (Tweed Heads)
- Reuben Rennie (Newtown Jets)
- Vincent Rennie (Newtown Jets)
- Brodie Tamarua (NZ)
- Aaron Teroi (Central Queensland Capras)
- Xavier Willison (Brisbane Broncos)
The Pacific Trial brings together the pride and passion of the Cook Islands, Fiji, PNG and Samoa in a double session at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Saturday 25 June. Get your tickets here.