How to Watch Australia v Cook Islands Live: Rugby League World Cup 2026 Stream
On Saturday, 31 October 2026, tournament co-hosts Australia face the Cook Islands in a Pool A match of the Men’s Rugby League World Cup. Kick-off is scheduled for 9:05am GMT (8:05pm AEDT, 10:05pm NZDT, 5:05am EDT, and 2:05am PDT). Australian viewers can watch the game for free on Channel 7 and its 7plus streaming service, while international fans can access coverage via Premier Sports or Sky Sport NZ.
Australia Tests New Combinations After Securing Top Spot
The result of the fixture carries minimal weight for the composition of the semi-finals. According to rugbyworld.com, the Kangaroos have already secured the top spot in Pool A and booked their place in the knockout stage following victories over New Zealand and Fiji. With progression guaranteed, Australia head coach Kevin Walters is using the fixture to test new combinations, deploying his third different halves pairing of the pool stage by partnering Cameron Munster with Tom Dearden.
While Australia secured a dominant 66-6 victory over the Cook Islands to wrap up Pool A play, other groups feature tight margins, such as the Pacific Island qualification battles involving Tonga and Samoa.
🤯 AUSTRALIA FINISH GROUP STAGES IN STYLE!A 66-6 victory over Cook Islands on Saturday saw Australia finish the 2026 IRL Men's Rugby League World Cup group stages unbeaten, scoring 12 tries in a commanding display. Reece Walsh was instrumental, contributing a try and five try… pic.twitter.com/NysBOaWQO1
— https://x.com/IntlRugbyLeague/status/2116666533422444788
Premier Sports and Sky Sports Broadcast Tournament Fixtures
Viewing options vary significantly by jurisdiction for supporters following the tournament from outside Australia. In the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States, Premier Sports holds the broadcast rights. UK coverage is priced at £18.99 a month on a rolling basis, £13.99 a month for an annual contract, or £150 paid upfront. Irish viewers can add Premier Sports via Sky Sports as part of the Sports Extra pack, starting at €10 per month before increasing to €25. US fans can purchase an RLWC26 Pass for $25 to access all 53 tournament fixtures.
New Zealand supporters must tune in via Sky Sport NZ, where monthly subscriptions cost $59.99, annual plans run $549.99, and single-day passes are available for $29.99. Australian travellers situated abroad can bypass geo-blocking restrictions to access the free 7plus broadcast by utilising virtual private network software such as NordVPN.
Confirmed Team Line-Ups
Australia has named a strong 19-man squad for the fixture, captained by Isaah Yeo. The starting thirteen features Reece Walsh at fullback, flanked by wingers Jack Bostock and Tom Trbojevic, with Kotoni Staggs and Bradman Best in the centres. Cameron Munster and Tom Dearden form the halves pairing. The forward pack consists of Patrick Carrigan at lock, Harry Grant at hooker, and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui upfront, supported by back-rowers Jacob Preston and Liam Martin. The interchange bench includes Ethan Strange, Keaon Koloamatangi, Reuben Cotter, Lindsay Smith, James Tedesco, and David Fifita.
The Cook Islands team features Valentine Holmes at fullback, with Cameron Brown and Reubenn Rennie on the wings. KL Iro captains the side from the centre alongside Esan Marsters. Maui Winitana-Patelesio and Brad Takairangi combine in the halves. The starting forwards comprise Davvy Moale, Rua Ngatikaura, Rhys Dakin, Chaev Kolone, Delahia Wigmore, and Mason Teague. The interchange features David Tuariki, Makahesi Makatoa, Pride Petterson-Robati, Amare Milford, K-Cl Newton-Whare, and Glassie Glassie. The match officials are referee Ashley Klein, touch judges Michael Wise and Nick Pelgrave, and senior review official Chris Butler.
More on Rugby League World Cup
Australia make it three wins from three in the 2026 IRL Men's Rugby League World Cup group stages, producing their most convincing performance of the tournament with a commanding 66-6 victory over the Cook Islands in Townsville.📖 MATCH REPORT | https://t.co/LL02iKDUAC pic.twitter.com/lhVFKsubli
— https://x.com/IntlRugbyLeague/status/2116487114695033084