A host of NRL players headline the Cook Islands' chances of qualifying for the Rugby League World Cup in 2017 when they face Tonga on Saturday night at Campbelltown.

Tonga team announced

With the winner sealing their spot in the tournament the Cook Islands will rely on Raider Jordan Rapana, Knight Sam Mataora and Bronco Francis Molo to bring much-needed experience to the squad.

Wigan Warriors cult hero and former Roosters NYC player Anthony Gelling is also part of the squad, best remembered by Australian audiences as the man who charged down Corey Parker's penalty goal attempt during the World Club Series at the beginning of the year in golden point extra time.

While everyone bar halfback Daniel Foster has played NRL football in Tonga's 18 man squad, Cook Islands hold a few aces up their sleeve in the form of Drury Low, Jono Ford and Chance Peni.

Low played 11 NRL games across five seasons at the Raiders and Bulldogs, Ford managed three NRL games with the Roosters in 2011 and has travelled the world playing ever since, while Peni is a Junior Kiwi. 

Cook Islands:

1. Jordan Rapana (Raiders)
2. Drury Low (Narellan Jets)
3. Anthony Gelling (Wigan)
4. Chance Peni (Wests Tigers)
5. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Storm)
6. Jono Ford (Wyong Roos)
7. Wallace Tangiiti (Rabbitohs)
8. Uiti Baker (Sea Eagles)
9. Aaron Teroi (Storm)
10. Sam Mataora (Knights)
11. Esan Marsters (Wests Tigers)
12. Makahesi Makatoa (Bulldogs)
13. Francis Molo (Broncos).
14. Carne Doyle-Manga (Wyong Roos)
15. Vincent Rennie (Bulldogs)
16. Vinny Ngaro (Sea Eagles)
17. Fred Pakutoa (Wentworthville Magpies)
18. Rueben Rennie (Bulldogs)

Coach: Alex Chan (Wentworthville Magpies)