2026 Rugby League World Cup Betting Tips - New Zealand vs Cook Islands (Round 2)

As expected, we saw a couple of blowouts in Round 1, including 78-4 to Samoa over France! The Australia vs New Zealand clash was by far the closest, and the Kiwis almost got the better of the Kangaroos, but ultimately the Aussies won, 24-22.

Just like last round, the BettingTop10 team have their sights set on New Zealand’s clash, which will be with the Cook Islands in Round 2.  We’ve gone through all the most important factors leading up to this game and put forward our most confident play of the game, plus a three-leg multi as well!

The Kiwis gave the Kangaroos an almighty scare last time out, but weren’t able to claim the win, going down 22-24. On the flip side, the Cook Islands were dismantled by Fiji, 12-40. So, both teams will be desperate to claim a win to keep their hopes of making it to the finals alive.

New Zealand and the Cook Islands are both in Group A (along with Fiji and Australia), and with only two teams making it through to the finals from this group, a win is vital. The last time these two teams played each other was all the way back in 2000, and the Kiwis were very dominant, winning 84-10.

It seems as though the Kiwis have been facing off against tougher opponents as of late, and especially in the opening game of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. They are the clear favourites, and after taking the Kangaroos to the brink last time out, they shouldn’t have any issues with the Cook Islands.

For New Zealand, the biggest out is, of course, Kalyn Ponga, who broke his arm last time out, but Keano Kini does step in to replace him. Also, the likes of Dane Gagai and Naufahu Whyte have both been rested for this game. For Cook Islands, Marata Niukore is out for the rest of the tournament with a groin injury, but Valentine Holmes will play his first game.

Bookmaker	Katherine’s Tip	Odds
	Total Points - Over 62.5	NZ$1.83
	Total Points - Over 63.5	NZ$1.85
	Total Points - Over 62.5	NZ$1.83

Predicted Squads

New Zealand - Keano Kini, Jamayne Isaako, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Casey McLean, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Kodi Nikorima, Jahrome Hughes, James Fisher-Harris, Jeremy Marshall-King, Joseph Tapine, Xavier Willison, Scott Sorensen, Erin Clark, Te Maire Martin, Leo Thompson, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Jacob Laban, Isaiah Papali'i & Briton Nikora

Cook Islands - Valentine Holmes, Paul Ulberg, KL Iro, Reubenn Rennie, Cameron Brown, Maui Winitana-Patelesio, Brad Takairangi, Davvy Moale, Rua Ngatikaura, Rhys Dakin, Amare Milford, Delahia Wigmore, Mason Teague, Esan Marsters, K-CI Newton-Whare, David Tuariki, Makahesi Makatoa, Chaev Kolone & Glassie Glassie

There’s been a lot of talk leading up to this clash, but here are the key factors that will most likely impact your bets:

1. Kalyn Ponga is out for the Kiwis, but they do welcome back the likes of Scott Sorensen and Tanner Stowers-Smith.
2. Valentine Holmes missed the Round 1 clash for Cook Islands, but the star is back from his ankle injury and lines up at fullback.
3. The Kiwis have lost their last two games (both to Australia), while Cook Islands have lost their last three games in a row (to Fiji, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea).

Multi of the Week

If a multi is more up your alley, I’ve put together one for this specific game! There are plenty of betting apps available to place this multi, but I’ve used the odds from Betista: