Rugby league star Steven Marsters to take Kukis to World Cup

An Illawarra league star has a chance to showcase his skills on the international stage for a Pacific island team close to his heart. Read why the experience has been emotional for the young gun.

Steven Marsters of Cook Islands poses for a photo during the Cook Islands Rugby League World Cup Portrait Session at Rockcliffe Hall on October 12, 2022 in Darlington, England. Picture: Pat Elmont/Getty Images for Rugby League World Cup

The Cook Islands rarely have the opportunity to mingle with the world‘s best, however, the Kukis will be doing just that when they compete in their third Rugby League World Cup.

The tiny Pacific Islands nation is home to fewer than 18,000 people, however, they will all be cheering the Kukis on when the national team faces Wales.

The Wales game is the nation’s tournament opener at Leigh Sports Village in the United Kingdom before matches against Pacific rivals PNG and Tonga.

Thirroul Butchers back Steven Marsters is one of the best players in Illawarra Rugby League and will look to make an impact for more than just himself.

“I was born in Auckland, but my mum’s Kuki (Cook Islander) and her father’s Kuki,” Marsters said.

“I‘ve played about three games so far and it’s been very emotional for me because the Cook Islands is a very small nation.

“So for all the boys in this team, it’s not just about representing ourselves, but it’s about representing where we and our families came from and putting our little nation on the map and playing for our people and our culture.”

Marsters featured for the Cook Islands in the mid-season Test match against Toa Samoa, where he played alongside his cousin, 85-NRL gamer Esan Marsters.

Steven Marsters is dreaming of a breakout tournament with the Kukis. Picture: Pat Elmont/Getty Images

The Butchers star scored a try and kicked two from two in a creditable 42 to 12 defeat to a Samoan side oozing NRL experience.

However, the Tony Iro-coached Cook Islands team was missing UK Super League-based players such as Zane Tetevano, Dylan Napa, Dom Peyroux and veteran Brad Takarangi who will co-captain the Kukis alongside Esan Marsters.

“I think the boys learnt a lot [from the game against Samoa],” Marsters said.

“We have just got to stick to our footy and play what is in front of us and play on the back of offloads.

“We were playing against a side with many NRL players so the second half was a good confidence boost as we fought and scored a couple of tries.

Steven Marsters have played six NRL games for the Rabbitohs. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“It‘s been good having the UK boys joining back with the squad. They bring a lot of leadership and they’re going to really help us out over here.”

Marsters has six NRL games to his name and was a key figure in Thirroul’s run to the penultimate week of the season.

The 22-year-old player, who turns 23 on the day of the Wales match, said he hoped a strong World Cup could land him another professional contract.

“I am not too sure [what I am doing next year] just yet, we’re playing it by ear,” he said.

“With the World Cup happening, maybe I can play well and earn a spot over here [in the Super League] or maybe there‘s an NRL club looking for players to get amongst it.

“A majority of players we have here are trying to get themselves into a top 30 [squad] and get into a better position in their careers, so this is a good chance to showcase what we‘re about.”

The Cook Islands will play Wales on Thursday October 20 at 4.30am Australian Eastern Standard Time which means 5.30am for viewers in NSW because of daylight savings time.

Originally published as Rugby league star Steven Marsters to take Kukis to World Cup