Cookies go wild in Doncaster

The Cook Islands rugby league squad have touched down safely in Doncaster to start their Rugby League World Cup campaign.

Soon after touchdown the team visited schools in the city of Doncaster – the Cook Islands adopted home away from home.

Over 130 school children lined the streets flying Cook Islands flags and messages of support for the Cook Islands team.

The city got a taste of the Cook Islands colour and humour when cultural attach Ina Tapurau of Arorangi strummed his uke for an impromptu string band performance for their fans.

The squad then took some time out to visit the animal residents of the Yorkshire Wildlife Park where they fed wallabies and giraffes.

The team were officially sent off on their World Cup campaign in Sydney before flying out to Doncaster.

The Cook Islands will play the New Zealand Kiwi team at Doncaster in a World Cup warm-up match on October 20.

The Cooks have been drawn in Pool D along with Wales and the USA plus they will play an extra ‘inter group’ match against Polynesian brothers from Tonga.

The Cook Islands national rugby squad includes – Tinirau Arona (middle) Roosters (NRL), Sam Brunton (hooker) Mounties (NSW), Daniel Fepuleai (hooker) Bears (NSW), Jonathon Ford (halves) Toulouse (France), Anthony Gelling (centre) Wigan (England), Isaac John (halves) Panthers (NRL), Drury Low (fullback, outside back) Bulldogs (NRL), Keith Lulia (outside back) Bradford (England), Joey Matapuku (front row) North Sydney Bears (NSW), Hikule’o Malu (halves, hooker) Warriors (NRL), Sam Mataora (middle) Raiders (NRL), Dylan Napa (middle) Roosters (NRL), Dominique Peyroux (outside back) Warriors (NRL), Jordan Rapana (wing, centre) Raiders (NRL), Tupou Sopoaga (centre) Sharks (NRL), John Zebelon Taia (middle) Catalans (France), Brad Takairangi (centre, 5/8) Titans (NRL), Adam Tangata (middle) Raiders (NSW), Chris Taripo (outside back) Newtown (NSW), Zane Tetavano (middle)Knights (NRL), Tyrone Viiga (middle) Eels (NSW), Lulia Lulia (outside back) Shell Harbour (NSW) and Rea Pittman (Cronulla Sharks).

The team is coached by former Parramatta Eels assistant coach David Fairleigh, who led the team through the qualification tournament in 2009 for the World Cup.

He will be supported by assistant coach Henry Turua of New Zealand, Kevin Iro as team manager, Charlie Hoff as assistant team manager, Nathan Ford and former national league captain Tere Glassie as trainers, Antony Bosley as liaison officer, Luke Portese of the West Tigers as strength and conditioning coach, West Tigers physiotherapist Michael Tudehope, Ina Tapurau as cultural ambassador and Cook Islands Rugby League Association president Charles Carlson.