Valentine Holmes confirms fitness for Cook Islands World Cup campaign

St George Illawarra Dragons centre Valentine Holmes is expected to be available for the Cook Islands Aitu in the upcoming World Cup tournament. Holmes sustained a syndesmosis injury during the Dragons' Round 27 match against Parramatta but reports indicate he will recover in time for international play. Teammate KL Iro confirmed the status of Holmes, who missed the 2025 Pacific Championships due to a shoulder injury. The Cook Islands Aitu are set to open their World Cup schedule against Fiji in Newcastle on October 18. The team faces a challenging path in the pool stages with additional matches scheduled against Australia and New Zealand.

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