Rugby League World Cup 2026: Fiji vs Cook Islands live stream — where to watch | Sunday, October 18, 4.05pm AEDT (Newcastle), 1.05am ET (US), 6.05am BST (UK)
Where to watch
| Country | Channel or service | Free or paid |
|---|
| Australia | Seven Network (TV) and 7plus (streaming) | Free |
| United States | Premier Sports | Paid |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ (Sky Sport Select channel) and Sky Sport Now | Paid |
| United Kingdom | Premier Sports 2 | Paid |
| Canada | Premier Sports | Paid |
Free options
Every match of the men’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 is available free-to-air in Australia via the Seven Network and its streaming platform 7plus. No subscription is required, just a free account with an Australian postcode (e.g., 2042). That includes this Pool A encounter at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, New South Wales.
Outside Australia, no broadcaster listed in the sources offers the match for free. The US, UK, Canada and New Zealand all require paid access. Either through a linear TV subscription or a streaming add-on.
What to expect
This is a vital Pool A clash between two Pacific Island nations ranked seventh and eighth in the world. Fiji have reached three consecutive World Cup semi-finals between 2008 and 2017, though this year’s format puts them up against tournament favourites Australia and New Zealand, both expected to advance from the same pool.
Still, Mick Potter’s side will aim to show their power and flair. Captain Apisai Koroisau, the 33-year-old hooker, brings NRL premiership experience with the Rabbitohs and Panthers. Sunia Turuva and Kurt Donoghoe add pace and energy in the backs. For Cook Islands, it’s been 17 years since they last beat Fiji.
A drought they’ll be desperate to end. Coach Karmichael Hunt, a cross-code legend, leads a squad anchored by KL Iro, who captains on the field and is described as one of the world’s most respected talents. Players like Esan Marsters and Brad Takairangi, eligible for other nations. Have chosen to represent the Cook Islands, underscoring the momentum behind the programme.
The teams have met 15 times competitively. Fiji hold nine wins. Cook Islands have four, plus one draw. Their most recent meeting was exactly one year earlier, on October 18, 2025.
When Fiji won 44–24. Official updates will be posted on Instagram (@RugbyLeagueWorldCup) and Facebook (@RugbyLeagueWorldCup).
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