This could be like a World Cup final for the teams grouped with Australia and New Zealand in Group A.
Watch Fiji v Cook Islands as the two sides bring this opening weekend of the Rugby League World Cup to a close.
– Date: Sunday 18.10.2026
– Start time: 6.05am BST / 4.05pm AEDT / 6.05pm NZDT / 1.05am EDT / 10.05pm PDT (Saturday)
– Free transfer: 7 Plus (Australia)
– Other Live Streams: Premier Sports (UK, Ireland, USA), Sky Sports (New Zealand)
– Watch from anywhere: Try NordVPN 100% risk free
This could look like a World Cup final for both of these teams. In a group with the mighty Australia and New Zealand in Group A, this may be the only realistic shot to win. Indeed, whoever wins will still face the near-impossible task of defeating one of the game’s giants if they want to advance.
Although both sides boast players with NRL experience, Fiji – the 2017 semi-finalists – will be favorites at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium. For the Cook Islands, who have never qualified for the Rugby League World Cup, getting off the bottom of the table would be a significant achievement.
Read on to find out everything you need to know to watch Fiji vs 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 Fiji vs Cook Islands for FREE
Rugby league fans in Australia can watch Fiji v Cook Islands for free – along with every other Rugby World Cup 2026 match – 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 Fiji vs 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 Fiji vs Cook Islands
- United Kingdom: You’ll want to head over Premier Sports to watch Fiji vs Cook Islands live stream in 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 £130 per year (which is less than £11 per month) if you pay in advance.
- Ireland: Premier Sports is also the place to watch Fiji 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: Live streaming of Fiji vs Cook Islands 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 Fiji 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 holds 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 Fiji vs Cook Islands live streaming there. Prices, of course, vary by region.
Fiji v Cook Islands lineups and officials
Fiji
1. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Blake fell
4. Solomon Saukuru
5. Semi Valemei
6. Kurt Donoghoe
7. Brandon Wakeham
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Apisai Koroisau (captain)
10. Mitchell Perst
11. Taane Milne
12. Gideon’s promise
13. Caleb Navale
Exchange:
14. Jose Lanyon
15. Ravosai Emotions
16. Elijah Keung
17. Ronald Philitoga
Cook Islands
1. Ace of Aces
2. Paul Ulberg
3. KL Iro (captain)
4. Reuben Rennie
5. Cameron Brown
6. Maui Wintana-Patelesio
7. Esan Masters
8. David Moale
9. Mason Teague
10. Makahesi Makatoa
11. Delahia Wigmore
12. Reuben Porter
13. Pride Petterson-Robati
Exchange:
14. Rua Ngatikaura
15. K-Cl Newton-House
16. Rhys Dakin
17. Brad Takairangi
Officials
Judge: Chris Kendall
Touch Judges: Jon Stone, Drew Oultram
Senior Audit Officer: Wyatt Raymond
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