The Cook Islands have called on players based in New Zealand, Australia and England, in addition to talent from their own domestic league, for this month’s Oceania Qualifiers in Qatar.
Coach Alan Taylor has included eight players in his group who play club football outside of the Cook Islands, along with a selection from local clubs Nikao Sokattak FC, Tupapa Maraerenga FC, Puaikura FC and Matavera-Ngatangiia FC.
The Cook Islands will play in the tournament’s opening match against the Solomon Islands, before taking on Tahiti and Vanuatu in Group A.
Cook Islands squad for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ OFC preliminary competition
Goalkeeper: Tahiri ELIKANA (Nikao Sokattak FC). Defenders: Rai-Arii Avi HENDERSON-ENOKA (Tupapa Maraerenga FC), Jarves APERAU (Puaikura FC), Tamaiva MATEARIKI (Nikao Sokattak FC), Ishaq NAZEEM (Manurewa United), Benjamin MATA (Wellington Olympic), Emiel BURROW (Oratia United), Orin RUAINE-PRATTLEY (Brooklyn Northern United AFC), Tyrrell BARRINGER-TAHIRI (AFC South London). Midfielders: Grover HARMON (Tupapa Maraerenga FC), Anthony SAMUELA (Tupapa Maraerenga FC), Lee HARMON (N/A), Daryl AREAI (Matavera-Ngatangiia FC), Kerim KUMZUS (N/A), Thane BEAL (Westvale FC), Taylor SAGHABI (N/A). Forwards: Dwayne TIPUTOA (Puaikura FC), Toru MATEARIKI (Nikao Sokattak FC), Maro BONSU-MARO (Manukau United), Harlem SIMIONA (Ngongotaha FC), Ismail HADIFE (N/A). Coach: Alan Taylor