Kick-off for New Zealand vs Cook Islands is 6:05pm NZDT on Sunday 25 October at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch. Read on for our Rugby League World Cup Round 2 prediction and the TAB tips we like.
New Zealand stunningly lost their opener against Australia but arguably left the opening weekend of pool action with the most impressive performance, even in defeat. The loss of Kalyn Ponga to a broken arm is, of course, a major worry but it won’t be a problem this week against a Cook Islands team that were utterly dreadful in a gettable game against Fiji. The Kukis just threw nothing at a poor Fiji side in attack and against a far more talented Kiwis outfit, they are at the mercy of New Zealand. These teams have met just once back at the 2000 World Cup with the Kiwis winning 84-10. The Kiwis are out to prove a point and have two 60-plus wins in three games against minnows at the last two World Cups so can put the foot down. Jahrome Hughes has six tries in 11 Tests. Casey McLean is an elite talent who has scored nine times in five Tests. Xavier Willison scored four tries in 12 games playing on an edge for the Broncos.
Tips
Best: New Zealand -52.5 ($1.90)
Next: New Zealand -69.5 ($3.80)
Tryscorer: Jahrome Hughes ($11.50 First, $1.78 Anytime)
SGM: Jahrome Hughes Try/Casey McLean Try/Xavier Willison Try ($5.02)
New Zealand vs Cook Islands Odds & Popular Betting Markets
Here’s a quick look at the current odds and popular betting markets for the New Zealand vs Cook Islands matchup.
*odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change
| Team | Odds | |
|---|---|---|
| Casey McLean (New Zealand) | 6.50 | Bet Now |
| Jamayne Isaako (New Zealand) | 6.00 | Bet Now |
| Ronaldo Mulitalo (New Zealand) | 5.50 | Bet Now |
| Keano Kini (New Zealand) | 8.75 | Bet Now |
| Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (New Zealand) | 8.25 | Bet Now |
| Jahrome Hughes (New Zealand) | 12.00 | Bet Now |
| Te Maire Martin (New Zealand) | 12.00 | Bet Now |
| Xavier Willison (New Zealand) | 14.00 | Bet Now |
| Kodi Nikorima (New Zealand) | 14.00 | Bet Now |
| Jacob Laban (New Zealand) | 19.00 | Bet Now |
| Scott Sorensen (New Zealand) | 21.00 | Bet Now |
| Jeremy Marshall-King (New Zealand) | 21.00 | Bet Now |
| Erin Clark (New Zealand) | 23.00 | Bet Now |
| Joseph Tapine (New Zealand) | 29.00 | Bet Now |
| Leo Thompson (New Zealand) | 34.00 | Bet Now |
| Tanner Stowers-Smith (New Zealand) | 34.00 | Bet Now |
| James Fisher-Harris (New Zealand) | 34.00 | Bet Now |
| Paul Ulberg (Cook Islands) | 41.00 | Bet Now |
| Cameron Brown (Cook Islands) | 41.00 | Bet Now |
| Valentine Holmes (Cook Islands) | 51.00 | Bet Now |
Men's World Cup odds correct as of 21/10/2026 and subject to change. Event scheduled to start at 25/10/2026 6:05pm NZDT.