Although an official Cook Islands national side had been playing since the mid-1980s, it wasn't until the end of the 1990s that they really tested themselves beyond the Pacific Ocean. The Cook Islands played in their first Rugby League World Cup in 2000, bowing out winless at the group stage. At the 2013 tournament they picked up their first win in the competition, beating co-hosts Wales on their own turf, but could not reach the knock-out rounds.
At Rugby League World Cup 2021, the Cook Islands will be looking to go one better, and progress beyond the group stage.
