Channel 7 and ABC Sport commentate the New Zealand v Cook Islands clash — watch on 7plus and ABC

The much-anticipated New Zealand v Cook Islands match of the Rugby League World Cup 2026 goes live today, Sunday 25 October 2026, at 04:05 UK time. Two full broadcast teams have been assembled to cover the duel, and viewers can follow the action across the Seven RLWC26 broadcast team page as well as the dedicated channel feeds.

The primary commentary comes from Channel 7 Australia, part of the 7plus network fronted by presenter Corey Parker. He is joined in the pundit room by Ryan Papenhuyzen, Lote Tuqiri, Ali Brigginshaw and Peter Badel, with Emma Freedman acting as the on-the-ground reporter. A second commentary team is also live on ABC Sport, with Andrew Moore taking the main commentating role and Dene Halatau and Jada Taylor providing co-commentary.

The headline channels

For those tracking where to watch, Channel 7 Australia on the 7plus network is the headline destination for this match. It is home to a star-studded broadcast team assembled for RLWC26, and the Seven network's dedicated news page confirms the full roster of names behind the microphone for the tournament.

ABC Sport runs alongside as a fully functional commentary channel, giving British and Australian viewers alike two independent ways to follow the New Zealand v Cook Islands confrontation. Wherever you tune in from, both channels are carrying the full live feed.

Who is commentating

Corey Parker anchors the Channel 7 broadcast. A former professional rugby league footballer, he was born on 5 May 1982 and played his own career for the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL. Now repurposed as a channel presenter, he has been active throughout the tournament's opening weeks — including teaming up with Moses Mbye to name their rolling team of the tournament once the first week of action was done and dusted.

Ryan Papenhuyzen brings plenty of recent drama to the pundit room. The former Melbourne Storm fullback went public with a sad new reveal after a shock retirement from the NRL at 27, and he has since come back into the picture to help front the RLWC26 team for October and November.

Lote Tuqiri is a current Jillaroo and an NRLW premiership winner, placing him among the more recent faces in the broadcast. He features on the Seven network's star-studded RLWC26 roster, which also draws in reporter Peter Badel and other veteran names.

Ali Brigginshaw adds the flavour of an absolute OG. She has been spoken about as still having plenty to offer her game after ending a 16-year career, and recent commentary has tied her non-selection to the depth of talent that the Jillaroos continue to represent.

Peter Badel arrives as a journalist figure covering the club for The Courier Mail. He has been outspoken in 2026 — including weighing in on criticism directed at Michael Maguire as unfair, and discussing his own move between clubs on a Fox Sports segment alongside pundit Gordy.

The supporting roster

Beyond the headline Channel 7 lineup, ABC Sport carries its own commentary. Andrew Moore takes the main commentating duties, with Dene Halatau and Jada Taylor as co-commentators, ensuring the Cook Islands side of the duel is well covered from a second independent source.

The reporter for the Channel 7 feed is Emma Freedman, standing in for the visual and on-field element of the broadcast.

With two full teams covering one match, this New Zealand v Cook Islands clash is shaping up to be one of the more densely commented events of RLWC26 — so pick your channel, tune in at 04:05 UK time, and watch the talent get to work.

Article generated: 25 October 2026, 04:08 GMT