Hunt wants new rule to expand Cook Islands player pool
Joel Gould |
Cook Islands coach Karmichael Hunt has called for international rugby league eligibility rules to be expanded to include great grandparents.
Hunt said he was proud of the way his side took a 6-4 lead over Australia in an impressive opening half during the 66-6 World Cup loss in Townsville on Saturday night.
The team showed the same intent against New Zealand last week to lead 16-12 before losing 82-16.
Given so many of his players are Jersey Flegg, NSW and Queensland Cup or even Ron Massey Cup representatives, the Aitu showed plenty of character.
“They kept turning up and having a crack,” Hunt said.
“Overall, we need more experience out there. To play international football against the Kangaroos and Kiwis and even Fiji, we need more boys available to us at the higher levels and that is going to come down the eligibility rule and hopefully they address that.”
There are less than 18,000 people living in the Cook Islands.
“Currently, as the rule stands your grandparent or your parent has to be be born in the Cook Islands, or any nation for that matter,” he said.
“Now we all live in Australia or New Zealand. There are a lot of great grandparents that have Cook Islands kids playing in good systems in Queensland and NSW and we’d love to get access to those and hopefully we can get a decision in our favour.
“If you want to identify and represent your Cook Island heritage and you have got that in your blood you should have the right to do that.”
“From all reports (Canberra fullback) Kaeo Weekes has grandparents that are Kukis or he has Cook Islands heritage.
“He is sitting on the couch watching the tournament right now. We want our best players playing in this competition. He should be playing. If the rules are freezing players like him out then I don’t think that is a good thing for the game.”
Hunt said a change in the rule by the International Rugby League would benefit not just Cook Islands but other smaller league countries such as Lebanon.
The Cook Islands have progressively improved with their involvement in the Pacific Championships but Hunt said better access to players and resources would put them in a better position.
The clash in Townsville was the last for Cook Islands veteran Brad Takairangi who played his 17th Test for the Kukis after lining up in four for New Zealand. The 37-year-old, who played for the Glebe Dirty Reds this year, led the Aitu at the 2022 World Cup.
“He gave it everything that he had and didn’t die wondering,” Hunt said.
“Brad has been a warrior for our nation and inspired so many kids to wear the jersey and has led the way. I am happy to send him out with an effort we can be proud of.”
Current Kukis captain KL Iro said Takairangi was an inspiration and a great leader.
“Even though I am captain he is doing most of the talking,” he said
“It is going to be sad to see him leave us.”
AAP