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Live sport on SN this weekendCook Islands coach calls for common sense on eligibility rules
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • August 7th, 2026 5:14 pm
Cook Islands | Photo: NRL Photos/Photosport
Cook Islands head coach Karmichael Hunt believes rugby league’s international eligibility rules need to evolve to protect the future of small Pacific nations.
With the Cook Islands preparing for a major World Cup challenge against heavyweights New Zealand and Australia, Hunt told Sport Nation Afternoons the current heritage rules could eventually limit the player pool for nations whose people are largely born overseas.
Current rules allow players to represent the country of their parents or grandparents’ birth, but with the Cook Islands’ population sitting at about 10,000 people, former Cook Islands representative and Sport Nation host Anthony Gelling believes that model does not reflect the reality of the diaspora.
“The majority of Cook Islanders are born outside of the islands, therefore in a generation or two generations time, we're going to have no one to pick from,” Gelling said.
“So as stupid as it sounds, me playing for the Cook Islands, as proud as I was to wear the jersey, my son's not eligible because his grandfather was born in Ōtāhuhu and his great grandmother was born in Manahiki.”
Cook Islands coach Karmichael Hunt | Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP
Hunt agreed, saying the issue extends beyond the Cook Islands and could eventually affect other Pacific nations with large communities based in New Zealand and Australia.
“My kids aren't eligible as well. But you look at Sa (Samoa), you look at Tonga and all those great players that are living in New Zealand, Australia and applying their trade, their kids at one stage aren't going to be eligible as well and would hate for that to happen.”
Hunt claims identity should not be restricted by birthplace alone.
“Whether you're one per cent Kuki or one hundred per cent Kuki, you're still Kuki. If that's your choice to represent your nation, well then you shouldn't be held back.
“So, I think common sense will prevail. Hopefully it's sooner rather than later for us. I think a lot of players who are Kuki but aren't eligible would love to wear the jersey and I think the game will be better for it.”
Cook Islands will have a passionate following at the World Cup | Photo: Steven Saphore/AAP
Despite the challenge, Hunt said the Cook Islands are embracing the World Cup opportunity to test themselves against the best.
“We are really looking forward to having a big World Cup this year. Obviously, we were in a pool with the big heavyweights in New Zealand and Australia, but I think it's a wonderful challenge for us as a small nation to be able to show what we can do.”
The Cook Islands squad has already received a major boost, with Valentine Holmes set to represent the nation.
“Obviously, having Val Holmes come over and wear our colours is going to be fantastic, he's going to do our nation proud.”
Valentine Holmes (left) will make himself available for Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup | Photo: Aaron Gillions/AAP
Hunt said the squad is continuing to build, with experienced players and emerging talent shaping the group.
“Marata (Niukore) obviously captained us last year with KL (Iro) so the squad's building. I think we've still got a few younger kids to pull into the ranks to obviously give them an opportunity to wear the jersey.
“We're really looking forward to the World Cup this year. Couldn't be more excited.”
Listen to the full interview below:
