Cook Islands coach Karmichael Hunt and his players aren’t just satisfied with qualifying for next year’s World Cup, they aim to be “giant killers”.

The Aitu claimed the 10th and final men’s RLWC26 berth by outclassing a spirited South Africa 58-6 in Sunday’s Southern Hemisphere qualifier at CommBank Stadium but Hunt insists they won't be just making up the numbers.

Maroons centre Valentine Holmes, who has played 21 Tests for Australia, will join the Cook Islands squad for the World Cup and there could be some more big names now that the Aitu have secured their place.

“This is what we wanted to do for our country,” Hunt told NRL.com. “We are playing at the highest level and all we have been talking about is representing with pride.

"Now we can move forward to next year and hopefully go and take some scalps in the World Cup.”

The Cook Islands will join Australia, England, Fiji, France, Lebanon, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga as the 10 men’s teams at IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026 in Australia and Papua New Guinea next October and November.  

Asked if the Aitu could be giant killers, Hunt said: “That’s what our ancestors did”.

Reconnecting with their culture and history was a strong focus for Cook Islands players in the lead up to their match against the Rhinos, with the squad – including Holmes - spending 10 days in Rarotonga.

Rabbitohs prop Davvy Moale, who missed the Pacific Championships matches against the Bati and Kumuls in Port Moresby after undergoing wrist surgery, said the trip to the Cook Islands had bought the squad together.

“The camp was the best I have ever come into. It was mad and I appreciate all of the boys inviting me in,” Moale said.

“Going back home was hectic, it was my first time and I am keen to go back. It definitely helped everyone connect because it was a few of the boys’ first time.

“We are a small nation, however, we have massive heart and massive support so it was mad seeing everyone get around us.”

After helping the Aitu to secure their place in the World Cup, co-captain Marata Niukore and centre Reuben Rennie added Cook Islands to the names of the other 13 nations competing in the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments at RLWC26 on the footpath outside CommBank Stadium.

On their way, Niukore and Rennie were constantly stopped by fans wanting to congratulate them or take photos with the pair.

“I wanted to lead the nation, not only the boys in the shed but our tiny nation,” said Niukore, who played for New Zealand at the last World Cup in 2022 but is now committed to representing his Cook Islands heritage.

Broncos premiership winning secondrower Brendan Piakura will play in his second World Cup for the Aitu.

“It is exciting times. I can’t wait to go to the World Cup again,” Piakura said. “The camp was awesome, it really gave the boys a bit of purpose.

"Some of the boys learned where they are from in the Cook Islands and all of the support back home, we just love it. I am just excited for next year.”

Asked about Holmes, Piakura said: “Val brings so much to the team, and so much to the camp as well in Raro. I can’t wait to play alongside him”.

Hunt said just having Holmes join the team camp had boosted the confidence of other players, many of whom were drawn from the NSW and Queensland Cup competitions.

“Valentine Holmes would have played if it wasn’t for his shoulder injury and, as we saw with Marata, you can’t have enough of those quality players in your team, so we are looking forward to welcoming those players like Val in,” Hunt said.

“I saw the shift when Marata rocked up to camp this week, just like Val’s presence in Rarotonga. You can’t put a price on it.”