How to Watch the Fiji vs. Cook Islands Rugby Match Live
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup group stage continues with a high-stakes battle between Fiji and the Cook Islands.
A Tense World Cup Clash
The group stage of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup is now in full swing. On 18 October, the national teams of Fiji and the Cook Islands will face off in a critical encounter at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Australia. With the teams ranked 7th and 8th in the world respectively, this match promises to be an exceptionally tense affair.
Fiji, managed by Mick Potter, arrives at the tournament with an ambitious squad. The team is led by 33-year-old hooker Apisai Koroisau, who brings the experience of three NRL premiership titles to the side. The Cook Islands team is coached by the experienced Karmichael Hunt and features standout players such as Kayal Iro and Esan Marsters.
How to Watch the Match Live
Live coverage of the match will be available on various platforms depending on your geographical location. Fans in Australia can watch the game for free via the Seven Network and 7plus. In the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast by Premier Sports.
Viewers in New Zealand can watch the encounter on the Sky Sport platform. It is worth noting that from a technological perspective, fans often use VPN (Virtual Private Network) services to access streaming platforms designated for different regions. Services such as NordVPN allow users to make their device appear as if it is in another country, enabling them to bypass regional streaming restrictions.
What You Need to Know
The match kicks off on 18 October at 16:05 local time (AEDT). This means viewers on the US East Coast will see the game at 01:05, while in the UK, the match begins at 06:05. Historically, there have been 15 official matches between Fiji and the Cook Islands, with Fiji winning nine, the Cook Islands winning four, and one match ending in a draw.
Although Australia and New Zealand are considered the favorites in Group A, the clash between Fiji and the Cook Islands remains highly anticipated by rugby fans. Both teams will strive to demonstrate their strength and technical preparation, which is vital for progressing to the next stages of the tournament.