Kiwis start slow to then thrash Cook Islands
Updated: 4 hours ago
The Kiwis are back on track after thrashing the Cook Islands 82-16 for their first win of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Esom Ioka's quickfire hat-trick gave the Cook Islands a surprise lead, but it wouldn't last long as the Kiwis found continuity.
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However it didn't take long for the Kiwis to score Jamayne Isaako dotting down for one of his three tries.
The Gold Coast star originally from Christchurch scored three in total and kicked 13 goals, a record haul of points for New Zealand away for the opener.
The Kiwis were guilty of forcing play and the Cooks took advantage with three intercept tries
Relief replaced the unease as Scott Sorensen ran onto a prefect Jahrome Hughes ball to restore an eight point advantage.
More breathing space came after Tanner Stowers-Smith, on debut in his home city, charged his way over for the Kiwi's fifth try. He eventually scored a double
With halftime approaching, the Kiwis struck again through McLean to take them to 36-16 at the break.
The second half continued with more points scored than minutes played as the Cook Island side slowed and the Kiwis used the bench.
The next game for New Zealand is against Fiji on Friday on the Gold Coast.
