The final countdown to a global rugby league showpiece has begun with the spectacular arrival of the Cook Islands men’s squad.
The team landed at their Rockliffe Hall base on Tuesday afternoon ahead of their clash with Tonga at the Riverside Stadium on October 30, where they were greeted by Yarm School Brass Band, a flag parade and children from Junction Farm Primary School, Eaglescliffe and Yarm Wolves ARLFC.
Squad representatives also paid a visit to our Rockliffe Park training ground, where they enjoyed a tour of the facilities and took part in a penalty kick challenge with youngsters from Boro's Academy.
The Tees Valley Combined Authority joined partners at Middlesbrough Football Club, Mowden Park, Darlington and Middlesbrough Councils in putting the bid together for the RWC game. Cook Islands squad members will be based at Rockliffe for three weeks – and will also be visiting schools and hosting a half term event in the run up to their Teesside fixture.
A nation 18,000 people strong, the Cook Islands have a particular link to Teesside. Marton-born navigator Captain James Cook arrived in 1773 and again in 1777 – with the islands taking his name after his death.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We’ve been looking forward to giving the Cook Islands a warm welcome for months now and, like sports fans across the region, I can’t wait for their clash against Tonga.
“This will attract thousands of people from right across the north - boosting our businesses and offering a fascinating contest right on the doorstep of people from Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”
The tournament was scheduled to take place in 2021 but coronavirus restrictions saw it postponed until this year. The Cook Islands will use Darlington’s Mowden Park as their official training base.
Thousands of tickets have been sold so far for the Kukis fixture against Tonga.
