Fiji crushes Cook Islands 40-12 in Rugby League World Cup opener
Fiji beat Cook Islands 40-12 in their opening Rugby League World Cup match at Newcastle.
Fiji dominated the Cook Islands 40-12 in their Pool A opener at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday, racing to a 28-0 halftime lead. Jacob Saifiti marked his comeback with a try in the 28th minute after missing four NRL games for a dangerous tackle.
The Newcastle prop's return gave the Bati a genuine power-play edge in the pack. Solomon Saukuru scored twice in the second half as Fiji piled on five first-half tries.
Captain Api Koroisau controlled the game through defence and kicks, while halves Kurt Donoghoe and Brandon Wakeham carved out attacking opportunities with five line-break assists and five try assists combined.
Cook Islands fought back with two second-half tries but fell short in the end.
- Fiji 40 Cook Islands 12
- Final score
- 28-0
- Halftime lead
- Five
- First-half tries
- Four matches
- Match suspension
Why it mattersFiji's dominance sends a strong early message at the World Cup while Saifiti gets redemption after NRL suspension wrecked his finals campaign.
AustraliaAustralian fans will track Fiji as they prepare for their own World Cup match against the same opponent, and Newcastle prop Saifiti's World Cup form will have local club interest.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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