Iro is captain Cook
COOK ISLANDS
Despite the presence of Super League legend Kevin Iro, the tenacity of wily half back Leroy Joe, and the passion and fire of hard-hitting second row Sonny Sheppard, the Cook Islands face tough opposition and will struggle to qualify from Group Two.
Iro will represent his home county for the first time, but, despite his excellent form for St Helens this season, it appears even his mercurial skills will fail to propel his side into the quarter-finals.
They rely on the playmaking ability of the Hull Kingston Rovers half back Joe who is an integral part of the line-up, but the question is whether he will perform against this level of opposition.
Team coach Stan Martin has assembled a tough, experienced pack where Newcastle Knights prop Jason Temu, Manly prop Adam Cook and Sheppard are the fiery engine of the squad.
The Islanders face a tricky opening game against Wales in Wrexham, before tackling the might of New Zealand, and following this daunting introduction their tie against the Lebanon may prove academic.
On the positive front, their pacy back line, including the likes of Iro, Tangii Tongiia and Richard Piakura pose a threat to most defences and should be good enough to trouble their rivals.
Not a forlorn hope, but still deserving their place as Group Two outsiders.