Australia will be looking to wrap up the pool stage of this 2026 Rugby League World Cup in style when they take on the Cook Islands for the very first time on Saturday in Townsville.
However, with rain forecast in Townsville this weekend and with the Kangaroos' place in the World Cup semi-finals already assured, looking at the handicap market catches the eye for Saturday’s encounter at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Australia v Cook Islands Tips Summary
Best Bet - Cook Islands +72.5 handicap @ 1.91
Alternative Bet - Cameron Munster anytime tryscorer @ 2.25
Bet Builder - Jack Bostock to score 3+ tries, Kotoni Staggs & Reece Walsh anytime tryscorers @ 3.10
Australia v Cook Islands Prediction
Best Bet: Cook Islands +72.5 handicap @ 1.91
For the avoidance of any doubt, Australia will win and win well on Saturday in Townsville, but there is value to be had backing the Cook Islands with a sizeable +72.5 handicap.
As mentioned, the Kangaroos have already booked their place in the semi-finals and they can look forward to a last-four showdown in Sydney against the runners-up of Pool B and C.
With no added motivation of points difference to consider, perhaps we won’t see a full 80-minute performance from Australia and they could simply get the job done before taking the foot off the gas in the second 40.
The rain is also likely to affect both teams’ ability to throw the ball around and with that in mind, going for the Cook Islands on the handicap gets the green light.
Alternative Bet: Cameron Munster anytime tryscorer @ 2.25
Set to be pulling the strings in the No.6 jersey, Cameron Munster in the anytime tryscorer market looks a value selection.
With so much attacking talent outside him in the backline, the Cook Islands defence are likely to be worried about the threats in the wide channels.
That can leave try-scoring opportunities for Munster, who bagged four tries in the NRL last season.
Australia v Cook Islands Bet Builder Tip
Jack Bostock to score 3+ tries
Kotoni Staggs anytime tryscorer
Reece Walsh anytime tryscorer
Pays 3.10
While Australia could fall short of the handicap in the rain, they can still rack up the tries in Townsville this weekend.
Jack Bostock bagged a hat-trick against New Zealand in the opening Test match of this World Cup and he's fancied to score at least three more on Saturday.
Kotoni Staggs scored last time out against Fiji and is fancied to go over in Townsville, as is Walsh, who also got on the scoresheet against the Kiwis in Sydney.
Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.
Key Match Stats
This will be the first competitive meeting between Australia and the Cook Islands
Australia are on an eight-game winning streak going into this
The Kangaroos were the first team to book their place in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals
The Cook Islands lost their opening two games of this World Cup to Fiji and New Zealand
The Cook Islands conceded 122 points in their opening two games of this tournament
Read more rugby league betting tips and predictions on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
