Cooks meet Tonga in ‘must-win’ clash

Cook Islands national rugby league head coach David Fairleigh has made four changes ahead of his side’s must-win Rugby League World Cup 2013 Group D clash against Tonga at Leigh Sports Village today to be screened on CITC at 10 o’clock this morning.

In the wake of his side’s shock loss to tournament outsiders USA Tomahawks in Bristol last Wednesday, Fairleigh has opted for NRL experience to counter the Tongans’ physicality and dynamism.

The side features three representatives from NRL premiers Sydney Roosters and two each from New Zealand Warriors and Canberra Raiders, as well as players from Cantebury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Penrith Panthers, Gold Coast Titans and Newcastle Knights.

Chris Taripo comes in to replace Lulia Lulia on the wing, while Eko Malu of New Zealand Warriors gets his chance off the interchange bench.

There’s also a change at standoff, with Tolouse Olympique’s Jonathan Ford coming in to replace Brad Takairangi, who switches to centre in place of Wigan Warriors’ Anthony Gelling.

Following USA Tomahawks surprise win over Wales on Sunday, Cook Islands must win to keep their hopes of qualification for the Rugby League World Cup 2013 QuarterX Finals alive.

Fairleigh has named his squad to take on Tonga and will be led by captain Zeb Taia.

The squad to take on Tonga includes: Drury Low, Chris Taripo, Brad Takairangi, Keith Lulia, Jordan Rapana, Jonathan Ford, Isaac John, Zane Tetevano, Daniel Fepuluai, Dylan Napa, Domnique Peyroux, Zeb Taia (captain), Tinirau Arona, Eko Malu, Joey Matapuku , Adam Tangata and Sam Mataora.