This could be like a World Cup final for the sides grouped with Australia and New Zealand in Pool A.

Watch Fiji v Cook Islands as the two sides battle for third place in the challenging Pool A (Pita Simpson/Getty Images)
Watch Fiji v Cook Islands as the two sides bring this opening weekend of Rugby League World Cup action to a close.
6.05am BST / 4.05pm AEDT / 6.05pm NZDT / 1.05am EDT / 10.05pm PDT (Saturday)
– Other live streams: Premier Sports (UK, Ireland, US), Sky Sport (New Zealand)
– Watch from anywhere: Try NordVPN 100% risk-free
This could feel like a World Cup final for both of these teams. Grouped with the mighty Australia and New Zealand in Pool A, this may be the sides’ only realistic shot of securing a victory. Indeed, whoever wins will still face the near-impossible task of beating one of the giants of the game if they’re going to progress.
Although both sides boast players with NRL experience, Fiji – semi-finalists in 2017 – will be the favourites at the McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle. For Cook Islands, who’ve never made it out of a Rugby League World Cup pool, climbing off the bottom of the table would be a considerable achievement.
Read on to find out everything you need to know to watch Fiji v Cook Islands online, on TV and from anywhere – including an option to watch for free in Australia. Scroll down to the end of the article for the team line-ups.
How to watch Fiji v Cook Islands for FREE
Rugby league fans in Australia can watch Fiji v Cook Islands – along with every other match of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup – for free on Seven and its 7plus streaming service. You just need to create a free account with your email address to get started.
The good news for Aussies travelling overseas right now is that you can still access your usual free 7plus service by using a VPN to avoid geo-blocking restrictions that might otherwise get in the way. Find out more below.
Live stream Fiji v Cook Islands from anywhere
Away from home? Fear not. A VPN bypasses geo-blocking by changing your IP address, allowing you to stream matches as if you were sitting in your own front room. The tech experts at and rate NordVPN as world number one, thanks to its low price and unrivalled ability to unblock streaming services.
Other places to watch Fiji v Cook Islands
Fiji v Cook Islands line-ups and officials
1. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Waqa Blake
4. Solomone Saukuru
5. Semi Valemei
6. Kurt Donoghoe
7. Brandon Wakeham
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Apisai Koroisau (captain)
10. Mitchell Prest
11. Taane Milne
12. Kitione Kautoga
13. Caleb Navale
14. Josese Lanyon
15. Emosi Ravosai
16. Elijah Keung
17. Ronald Philitoga
1. Esom Ioka
2. Paul Ulberg
3. KL Iro (captain)
4. Reubenn Rennie
5. Cameron Brown
6. Maui Winitana-Patelesio
7. Esan Marsters
8. Davvy Moale
9. Mason Teague
10. Makahesi Makatoa
11. Delahia Wigmore
12. Reuben Porter
13. Pride Petterson-Robati
Interchange:
14. Rua Ngatikaura
15. K-Cl Newton-Whare
16. Rhys Dakin
17. Brad Takairangi
Chris Kendall
Touch judges: Jon Stone, Drew Oultram
Senior review official: Wyatt Raymond
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