Nothing less than a win will help the Kiwis.
Watch New Zealand take on the Cook Islands as the world’s second best team look to kick-start their Rugby League World Cup campaign.
– Date: Sunday 25.10.2026
– Start time: 5.05am GMT / 4.05pm AEDT / 6.05pm NZDT (local) / 1.05am EDT / 10.05pm PDT (Saturday)
– Free transfers: 7 Plus (Australia), ThreeNow (New Zealand)
– Other Live Streams: Premier Sports (UK, Ireland, USA), Sky Sports (New Zealand)
– Watch from anywhere: Try NordVPN 100% risk free
New Zealand can be considered quite unlucky to still be looking for their first win in the competition. Comfortably second in the world rugby league rankings, they began their campaign against Australia and took the dominant Kangaroos extremely close in a scintillating 24-22 defeat, even leading the match late in the second half.
But even an honorable defeat is still a defeat, and the Kiwis need to win both of their remaining games to secure a place in the knockout stages. They will have to do it without injured guard Kalyn Pong, as Keano Kinney comes into the side to replace him. Other changes include Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad starts in the middle, with Xavier Willison and Scott Sorensen starting in the second row.
The Cook Islands face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockouts after losing to Fiji on the opening weekend. Team boss Karmichael Hunt has shuffled his pack as he looks to defy the odds in Christchurch. Among the changes, Valentine Holmes makes his full-back debut, while Brad Takairangi gets the nod at full-back.
Read on to find out everything you need to know to watch Kiwis v Cook Islands online, on TV and from anywhere – including options to watch New Zealand v Australia for free. Scroll down to the bottom of the article for team lineups.
Can I watch New Zealand v Cook Islands for free?
The game is available for free in New Zealand, where ThreeNow shows every Kiwi match – as well as semi-finals and finals. (You can also follow the match on the subscription service Sky Sports NZ – more on that below.)
Rugby league fans in Australia can also watch New Zealand 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 Aussies and Kiwis 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. Read on to find out more.
Other ways to watch New Zealand vs Cook Islands
United Kingdom
Premier Sports shows New Zealand and the Cook Islands live in the UK, as is the case for every game of the 2026 Rugby World Cup.
For UK viewers a Premier Sports online subscription costs £18.99 a month on a basic basis, £13.99 a month on a one-year contract, or £150 a year (£12.50 a month) if you pay up front. Works on a variety of apps and devices.
You can also tune in to Premier Sports on your TV via Sky Q, Prime Video, STV Player and Virgin Media. The variable monthly cost is, again, £18.99, although other offers are available on certain platforms.
Ireland
It is also Premier Sports in Ireland for that live stream New Zealand – Cook Islands. Sky Sports subscribers can add Premier Sports as part of the Sports Extra package (which also includes TNT Sports). This costs €10 per month for the first six months, before increasing to €25 per month for the next six months.
Premier Sports is also available with Now Sports Extra membership (daily and monthly memberships available from €11.99 per month) and via Virgin Media – check the provider’s website for details.
New Zealand
While Kiwis v Cook Islands is available for free on ThreeNow, Sky Sports NZ is the place to watch every game of the Rugby League World Cup in New Zealand. Sky Sports Now Subscriptions are available for $29.99 per day, $59.99 per month, or $549.99 per year.
United States
Rugby league fans in the USA need to get going Premier Sports to watch live streaming New Zealand – Cook Islands. The RLWC26 Pass, which gives you access to all 53 games of the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournament, will cost you $25.
Around the world
If you are connecting from another country, Premier Sports is probably a reasonable bet for live stream New Zealand vs Cook Islands. The provider owns the rights to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in over 120 countries, so it’s a good place to start. Prices vary by region.
How to watch New Zealand vs Cook Islands from anywhere
Being away from home doesn’t have to stop you from watching New Zealand vs Cook Islands live streams. A VPN bypasses geoblocking by changing your IP address, allowing you to stream the game as if you were at home.
Technological experts in TechRadar and Tom’s guide rank NordVPN as number one in the world, thanks to its low price and unsurpassed ability to unblock streaming services.
New Zealand and Cook Islands settings
New Zealand
1. Chinese style
2. Jamayne Isaac
3. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
4. Casey McLean
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Is Nicorim
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. James Fisher-Harris (captain)
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Joseph Tapine
11. Xavier Willison
12. Scott Sorensen
13. Erin Clark
Exchange:
14. Te Maire Martin
15. Leo Thompson
16. Tanner Stowers-Smith
17. Jacob Laban
18. Isaiah Papali’i
19. British Nikora
Cook Islands
1. Valentine Holmes
2. Paul Ulberg
3. KL Iro (captain)
4. Reuben Rennie
5. Cameron Brown
6. Maui Wintana-Patelesio
17. Brad Takairangi
8. David Moale
9. Rua Ngatikaura
10. Rhys Dakin
11. Amare Milford
12. Delahia Wigmore
13. Mason Teague
Exchange:
7. Esan Masters
14. K-Cl Newton-House
15. David Tuariki
16. Makahesi Makatoa
17. Chaev Column
18. Glassie Glassie
Officers
Referee: Ashley Klein
Touch referees: Drew Oultram, Dave Munro
Senior Audit Officer: Wyatt Raymond
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