Cook Islands have named their squad for the 2025 Pacific Bowl with premiership winner Brendan Piakura, Sharks star KL Iro and Warriors hardman Marata Niukore headlining a powerful outfit.
Piakura played three Test matches for Cook Islands in 2022 including the World Cup contests with PNG and Tonga.
Iro was also part of the World Cup campaign and will step out in his ninth Test match when the Cook Islands open their campaign Fiji Bati in Port Moresby on October 18.
Niukore has previously played three Tests for the Kukis in 2017 and 2019 and will be a key man for coach Karmichael Hunt.
Veteran Brad Takairangi will again spearhead the Cook Islands charge as they build towards a World Cup qualifier against South Africa at CommBank Stadium on November 9.
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Match: Fiji Bati v Cook Islands Aitu
Round 1 -
home Team
Fiji Bati
1st Position
away Team
Cook Islands Aitu
2nd Position
Venue: Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Cook Islands squad
Brad Takairangi (South West Goannas)
Brendan Piakura (Broncos)
Brody Tamarua (Norths Devils)
Cassius Cowley* (Wynnum-Manly Seagulls)
Davvy Moale (Rabbitohs)
Delahia Wigmore (Panthers)
Esan Marsters (Salford Red Devils)
Esom Ioka (Northern Pride)
Justin Makirere (Norths Devils)
KL Iro (Sharks)
Marata Niukore (Warriors)
Makahesi Makatoa (Roosters)
Mason Teague (Knights)
Paul Ulberg (Toulouse Olympique)
Pride Petterson-Robati (Souths Logan Magpies)
Reuben Porter (Wests Tigers)
Reubenn Rennie (Toulouse Olympique)
Rua Ngatikaura (Rabbitohs)
Teapo Stoltman* (Souths Logan Magpies)
Tepai Moeroa (North Sydney Bears)
* denotes debutant
