Rugby League World Cup Tips - Fiji v Cook Islands

The opening weekend of the World Cup wraps up with Fiji and the Cook Islands battling it out in Newcastle in what is likely the only winnable game for each nation.

Best Bet

Cook Islands +16.5

Line

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$1.90

There were a number of surprises that have ratcheted down confidence a touch in Cook Islands covering the big start here against what is one of the worst Bati sides sent to a World Cup this century.

Fiji have a proud World Cup history with semi-final runs in 2008, 2013 and 2017 but they are a very real chance of losing to the Cook Islands in this one.

The Bati are missing a host of players including Jahream Bula, Viliame Kikau and Jethro Rinakama while the Fainu brothers were ridiculously not allowed to play for Fiji.

Cook Islands named Valentine Holmes and Marata Niukore in the squad but both curiously missed selection. This is still a decent enough Kukis outfit though with nine players with NRL experience.

Fiji hold a 9-5 edge over Cook Islands but the Kukis have been within 20 in three of the last four. The plus is the play.

Same Game Multi

Ronald Philitoga Try/Esom Ioka Try/KL Iro Try

Same Game Multi

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$12.73

Ronald Philitoga was sensational this year for the Northern Pride with 18 tries in 19 games.

Esom Ioka finished second on the Queensland Cup tryscoring list with 22 this year in just 21 games. He has four tries in seven Tests.

KL Iro has 24 tries in 37 games across the last two seasons for Cronulla.

Value Bet

Reubenn Rennie

To Score A Try

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$3.60

Reubenn Rennie is a highly underrated veteran of this Cook Islands team. Rennie has played 12 Tests dating back to 2016 with five tries including two in the 2025 Pacific Bowl – including one against Fiji. Rennie ranks fourth on the all-time scoring list for Cook Islands and comes off scoring three times in 10 games for Toulousse this year.

Editor-In-Chief

Frankie McDonald

Frankie has spent more than two decades working in the Australian wagering industry and is widely regarded for his expertise in AFL, NRL and horse racing tips.