The Cook Islands netball side will depart Rarotonga this Thursday for the World Cup Qualifiers to be held in Suva, Fiji.

The national team will take on Papua New Guinea on Wednesday, July 20 at 5.30pm in its first match before battling Samoa on Thursday. The side will play Tonga the following day and Fiji on Saturday, July 23 to complete the round robin and the qualifiers.

Cook Islands will need to place top two in order to make it through to the Netball World Cup 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa from July 28 to August 6.

On Saturday last week, the national squad held a Mix and Mingle fundraiser at Rehab Nightclub.

Netball Cook Islands secretary Tekura Moekaa said the fundraiser was a great success.

“Thank you to Rehab for being an awesome host and especially the vivacious MC Teokotai Ben for keeping the spirits high. Meitaki Maata,” Moekaa said.

“The squad also attended Titikaveka Church on Sunday for blessing. The team will be leaving this week and meet up with coach and players in Auckland before they make their way to Fiji.

“Furthermore, the Netball Cook Islands executive team would also like to say meitaki maata to the six clubs that have been fundraising since last year to raise funds for the Qualifiers. Meitaki Maata to our netball community here and overseas for your support and donations and thank you to businesses like Air New Zealand, Pacific Resort, the Islander Hotel that assisted this campaign in some way or form. Last but not least, meitaki maata to the players and your family for all your support.”

Cook Islands team – Alanna Smith, Marjorie Toru (captain), Jordayn Matutu, Rochelle Teiri, Alex Iro, Maeva Carr, Ashley Iro, Romehael Rauraa, Natalia Short (vice-captain), Nicole Tiaore, Ailish Akavi, Eri-Te-Ana Short. Travelling Reserves: Mele Poaru, Iva Piakura, Norma Pepe. Non travelling reserves: Skye Tauia, Kiana Sword-Tua, Pare Noovao.