The co-hosts are looking to secure top spot in Group A against the Rugby World Cup players
Watch Australia take on the Cook Islands as the co-hosts and Rugby League World Cup favorites look to make it three wins from three in Group A.
– Date: Saturday 31.10.2026
– Start time: 9.05 GMT / 20.05 AEDT / 22.05 NZDT / 5.05 EDT / 2.05 PDT
– Free transfer: 7 Plus (Australia)
– Other Live Streams: Premier Sports (UK, Ireland, USA), Sky Sport (New Zealand)
– Watch from anywhere: Try NordVPN 100% risk free
The result of this match will have little effect on the composition of the semi-finals. The Kangaroos have already qualified for the knockout stages and secured top spot in Group A thanks to wins against New Zealand and Fiji.
With promotion guaranteed, Kangaroos boss Kevin Walters is taking the opportunity to experiment, particularly with his key five-eighth/halfback partnership. Cameron Munster and Tom Dearden will be the third pair to be seeded in the pool stages.
Read on to find out everything you need to know to watch Australia v Cook Islands online, on TV and from anywhere – including the option to watch for free in Australia. Scroll down to the bottom of the article for team lineups.
How to watch Australia vs Cook Islands for FREE
Rugby fans down under can watch Kangaroos v Cook Islands – along with every other Rugby World Cup 2026 match – 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 Australians currently traveling overseas is that you can still access your usual free 7plus service until using a VPN to avoid geoblocking restrictions that might otherwise get in the way. Learn more below.
Live stream Kangaroos – Cook Islands from anywhere
Far from home? Don’t be afraid. A VPN bypasses geoblocking by changing your IP address, allowing you to stream matches as if you were sitting in your front room. Technological experts in TechRadar and Tom’s guide rate NordVPN as number one in the world, thanks to its low price and unsurpassed ability to unblock streaming services.
Other places to watch Australia vs Cook Islands
- United Kingdom: You’ll want to head over Premier Sports watch Kangaroos v Cook Islands live streams in the UK. You can watch the action online or on TV via Sky Q, Prime Video, STV Player or Virgin Media. Costs are £18.99 per month on an ongoing basis, £13.99 per month on a one-year contract, or £150 per year (which is £12.50 per month) if you pay up front.
- Ireland: Premier Sports is also the place to watch Australia v Cook Islands in Ireland. If you already have Sky Sports, you can add the service to your subscription as part of the Sports Extra package. It will cost you €10 per month for the first six months, before rising to €25 per month for the next six months.
- United States of America: Kangaroos v Cook Islands live streaming is available at Premier Sports in the USA. You can get access to all 53 Rugby World Cup matches with the RLWC26 pass which costs $25.
- New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ is the live streaming destination of Australia vs Cook Islands in New Zealand. Subscriptions will set you back $59.99 per month or $549.99 per year, though day passes are available for $29.99 if you just want to tune in to certain games.
- Rest of the world: Premier Sports owns the rights to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in over 120 countries around the world, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to watch live coverage of this Pool A match there. Of course, prices vary by region.
- Read more: 10 players who shone in both junior rugby and rugby league
Kangaroos v Cook Islands fixtures and officials
Australia
1. Reece Walsh
2. Jack Bostock
3. Cotton Staggs
4. Bradman Best
5. Tom Trbojevic
6. Cameron Munster
7. Tom Dearden
8. Patrick Carrigan
9. Harry Grant
10. Abuse of body
11. Jacob Preston
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo (captain)
Exchange:
14. Ethan Strange
15. Keaon Koloamatangi
17. Ruben Kotter
18. Lindsay Smith
19. James Tedesco
22. David Fifita
Cook Islands
1. Valentine Holmes
2. Cameron Brown
3. KL Iro (captain)
4. Reuben Rennie
5. Esan Masters
6. Maui Wintana-Patelesio
7. Brad Takairangi
8. David Moale
9. Rua Ngatikaura
10. Rhys Dakin
11. Chaev Column
12. Delahia Wigmore
13. Mason Teague
Exchange:
14. David Tuariki
15. Makahesi Makatoa
16. Pride Petterson-Robati
17. Amare Milford
18. K-Cl Newton-House
19. Glassie Glassie
Officials
Judge: Ashley Klein
Touch Judges: Michael Wise, Nick Pelgrave
Senior Audit Officer: Chris Butler
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