Australia vs Cook Islands Prediction – Rugby League World Cup 2026

The Kangaroos have done the hard part. Back-to-back wins over New Zealand (24-22) and Fiji (36-22) have locked Australia into top spot in Pool A, with their semi-final already set for Sunday, November 8 at Allianz Stadium.

That makes Saturday night's trip to Townsville something of a free hit for the world champions, and a history-making one too. 

This will be the first Test match ever played between Australia and the Cook Islands.

The Cooks have had a tough tournament so far, going down 40-12 to Fiji in Newcastle and 82-16 to New Zealand in Christchurch.

There is one familiar face who will be desperate to make an impression, though. Former Townsville local Valentine Holmes, who lifted the trophy with the Kangaroos at the 2021 World Cup, now wears Cook Islands jersey.

With nothing riding on the result for Australia, the big question is how hard Kevin Walters rotates his squad. 

Does he rest his big guns, or keep the combinations humming ahead of the semi? Regardless who runs out in Green and Gold, they are expected to win and win big at that. Can they deliver on these expectations? Or will their opponents cook up one hell of an ambush? 

For all the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips ahead of this one, check out our Australia vs Cook Islands predictions below.

Australia vs Cook Islands Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction 

Whatever side Kevin Walters picks, it's hard to make a case for the Cook Islands here.

They've conceded 122 points across two games, and the Kangaroos' depth is such that even a heavily rotated line-up will be packed with Origin and Test experience.

The Cooks will lift in front of a big North Queensland crowd, and Holmes will have plenty of local support, but expect the class gap to show by the back end of the first half.

New Zealand put 82 on the Cook Islands and Australia beat New Zealand, so you do the math. This could get ugly. 

Betting tip: Australia. 

First Try Scorer Prediction 

Jack Bostock announced himself on the Test stage with a hat-trick on debut against the Kiwis, including the match-winner, and kept his spot on the wing against Fiji.

If he's picked again, he'll be a prime candidate to open the scoring against a Cook Islands edge that has leaked tries all tournament.

We expect him to take to the skies early and pull down a pin point Sam Walker kick somewhere inside the first 10 minutes of this one. 

Betting tip: Jack Bostock.

Line Prediction 

The line for this one is set at a whopping 70.5 points, and that's a big ask, even for the Kangaroos.

New Zealand piled on 82 points against the Cooks in Christchurch and still only won by 66. Fiji's winning margin in Newcastle was 28.

Australia have scored 24 and 36 points in their two games so far. With possible rotation and a semi-final eight days later, we'd be surprised if they kept the foot down hard enough for long enough to clear 70.

Betting tip: Cook Islands (+70.5) line. 

Australia vs Cook Islands Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Tom Trbojevic 

Injuries? What injuries!? Turbo has looked right at home on the wing this tournament.

He scored once against New Zealand and then bagged a hat-trick against Fiji, which gives him four tries from two games. Few players are more dangerous when they're given a sniff of space.

Kotoni Staggs 

Staggs has kept his spot in the centres for both games so far and crossed for a try against Fiji.

He's one of the hardest centres in the game to stop close to the line, and the Cooks' edge defence will be under pressure all night.

Esom Ioka

If the Cook Islands are going to trouble the scorers, Esom Ioka has shown he's the man to do it.

The winger scored all three of the Cooks' tries in their 82-16 loss to New Zealand, so he's well worth a look as an outside chance to get over again.

Australia Predicted Team List 

1. Reece Walsh

2. Jack Bostock

3. Latrell Mitchell

4. Bradman Best

5. Tom Trbojevic

6. Cameron Munster

7. Sam Walker

8. Pat Carrigan

9. Harry Grant

10. Lindsay Smith

11. Liam Martin

12. Jacob Preston

13. Isaah Yeo (c)

14. Blayke Brailey

15. David Fifita

16. Cameron Murray

17. Keaon Koloamatangi

18. Ethan Strange

19. James Tedesco

Cook Islands Predicted Team List

1. Valentine Holmes

2. Paul Ulberg

3. KL Iro (c)

4. Reubenn Rennie

5. Cameron Brown

6. Maui Winitana-Patelesio

7. Esan Marsters

8. Davvy Moale

9. Rua Ngatikaura

10. Rhys Dakin

11. Amare Milford

12. Delahia Wigmore

13. Mason Teague

14. K-CI Newton-Whare

15. David Tuariki

16. Makahesi Makatoa

17. Brad Takairangi

18. Chaev Kolone

19. Glassie Glassie

Australia vs Cook Islands Match Details 

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026.

Kick-off: 7:05pm AEST. 

Location: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville. 

*Odds are subject to change.