Kiwis to Play Cook Islands in World Cup Warm-Up

Auckland, NZ, July 14, 2013 – New Zealand Rugby League has today confirmed that the Kiwis will play the Cook Islands in a warm-up game before the Rugby League World Cup (RLWC). The teams will meet on Sunday, October 20, at Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, UK.

“We wanted a decent hit-out under English conditions before the World Cup,” says the Kiwis’ manager Tony Iro. “There’s a chance some of our guys won’t have played for 6-7 weeks and we don’t want to be underdone going into a tough first World Cup match against Samoa.

“We know that our boys, especially those that miss finals football, will want the opportunity to impress before the tournament and I’m sure the Cooks guys will be in the same boat.”

Both the Kiwis and the Cook Islands were looking for a warm-up game before the World Cup, but were restricted in their choice of opponents due to RLWC regulations around not playing teams in your pool or that you were likely to meet in later stages.

Discussions between the two countries – which were helped by Tony Iro’s position with the Kiwis and his brother Kevin’s role as the Commissioner of Cook Islands Rugby League – really came together when Carl Hall at Doncaster Rugby League got involved.

“Carl is the sort of guy who makes things happen,” says Tony. “We’re sure he and his crew at Doncaster will do a great job as hosts.”

Hall, a former Junior Kiwi, is now the CEO and owner of Doncaster Rugby League. He stayed on in the town after staring as a player there alongside fellow New Zealanders like Dane O’Hara and James Leuluai.

“I’m proud to announce that not only international rugby league is coming to Doncaster,” said Hall, “but the reigning champions of the world will be playing at the Keepmoat Stadium.

“After Doncaster missed out on a World Cup game I was very determined not to let it go after the hard work the people of the town had put in to try and hold a game or host a nation at this year’s tournament.”

Kevin Iro can see real benefits for the Cook Islands in the Doncaster match.

“We couldn't have asked for a better build-up to our campaign than by testing ourselves against the title holder,” he said.

“The nucleus of our team has been together since qualifying for the World Cup in 2009 and since then many of our players have gone on to play in the NRL and Super League. Players like Isaac John, Zeb Taia, Keith Lulia, Tinirau Arona and Zane Tetevano will be relishing the thought of playing the Kiwis, as will younger squad members like Tupou Sopoanga and Sam Mataora.”

Keepmoat Stadium has a 15,000 person capacity and is the home of Doncaster Rugby League, as well as the Doncaster Rovers Football team.

Tickets for the Kiwis versus Cook Islands match, which kicks-off at 3pm on October 20, go on sale on July 15 at Keepmoat Stadium’s ticket office. Rugby league fans can take advantage of an early bird offer before October 1. For more information or to book a ticket please call the ticket office on +44 (0) 1302 762576.

The Kiwis open their RLWC campaign against Samoa on October 27 in Warrington, UK.

ENDS

© Scoop Media