The Cook Islands’ preliminary train-on squad to play Tonga in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Asia-Pacific qualifier has been named.
The squad features a mix of established first-graders, National Youth Competition stars and park footballers. Returning from the 2013 World Cup squad are Jordan Rapana, Drury Low, Anthony Gelling, Adam Tangata, Tupou Sopoaga and Tinirau Arona.
Notable exclusions include Dominique Peyroux, Keith Lulia, Johnathon Ford, Isaac John, Dylan Napa, Sam Mataora, Zeb Taia and Brad Takairangi.
Alex Chan will take over from David Fairleigh as head coach and believes his young squad can deliver.
“I certainly believe that our qualifying match against Tonga will unveil some exciting and entertaining players,” he said.
“I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what this squad is capable of.”
The squad is as follows:
Tinirau Arona (Cronulla Sharks), Anthony Gelling (Wigan Warriors), Ezra Howe Junior (Canberra Raiders), Drury Low (Narellan Jets), Makahesi Makatoa (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Esan Marsters (Wests Tigers), Francis Molo (Brisbane Broncos), Eric Newbigging (Parramatta Eels), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Melbourne Storm), Fred Pakutoa (Wentworthville Magpies), John Papalii (West Belconnen), Chance Peni (Wests Tigers), Reuben Porter (Sydney Roosters), Jordan Rapana (Canberra Raiders), Tupou Sopoaga (Penrith Panthers), Adam Tangata (Halifax Blue Sox), Wallace Tangiiti (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Aaron Teroi (Melbourne Storm)
Predicted first XVII: 1 Jordan Rapana, 2 Chance Peni, 3 Wallace Tangiiti Peni, 4 Esan Marsters, 5 Anthony Gelling, 6 Drury Low, 7 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 8 Tinirau Arona, 9 Aaron Teroi, 10 Francis Molo, 11 Tupou Sopoaga, 12 Makahesi Makatoa, 13 Reuben Porter
14 Eric Newbigging, 15 John Papalii, 16 Adam Tangata Porter, 17 Ezra Howe
Change within the squad is expected to occur as players confirm their eligibility and exit the finals over the next two weekends.
The Cook Islands will play Tonga at Campbelltown Stadium on October 17.
Tonga’s squad can be found here.
UPDATE: October 10
Alex Chan has named his final 18-man squad. It is as follows: 1 Jordan Rapana, 2 Drury Low, 3 Anthony Gelling, 4 Chance Peni, 5 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 6 Jono Ford, 7 Wallace Tangitti, 8 Uiti Baker, 9 Aaron Teroi, 10 Sam Mataora, 11 Esan Marsters, 12 Makahesi Makatoa, 13 Francis Molo
14 Carne Doyle-Manga, 15 Vincent Rennie, 16 Vinny Ngaro, 17 Fred Pakutoa, 18 Reuben Rennie
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Never change, Nick Cummins!
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