Cook Islands name 2013 Rugby League World Cup squad

Adam Tangata . Photo source. Raiders.com.au

Raiders NRL squad members Sam Mataora and Jordan Rapana are set to feature in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup after being named in the in the Cook Islands squad.

Cook Islands head coach David Fairleigh has named an initial squad ahead of the Rugby League World Cup containing an exciting mix of emerging and established stars from the Super League and the NRL.

Mataora has represented the Cook Islands previously in 2011 and will again be one of the key forwards for his nation in the tournament.

Rapana is yet to make his debut in the NRL for the Raiders after joining the club mid-season however his performances for Mounties in the NSW Cup and his proven ability as a try scorer for the Gold Coast Titans before embarking on a Mormon mission saw him named alongside Mataora.

Rapana’s Mounties team mate and former Raiders NYC player, Adam Tangata, has also been named in the squad.Cook Islands face USA at the Memorial Stadium in Bristol on October 30, Tonga at Leigh Sports Village on November 5 and Wales at The Gnoll in Neath on November 10.

The full Cook Islands squad is as follows:

Tinirau Arona, Sam Brunton, Geoff Daniela, Daniel Fepuleai, Jonathon Ford, Anthony Gelling, Isaac John, Drury Low, Keith Lulia, Lulia Lulia, Hikule'o Malu, Sam Mataora, Joey Matapuku, Dylan Napa, Dominque Peyroux, Jordan Rapana, Tupou Sopoaga, Zeb Taia, Brad Takairangi, Adam Tangata, Chris Taripo, Zane Tetavano, Tyrone Viiga

Source: Raiders.com.au