St George Illawarra Dragons centre Valentine Holmes is expected to be fit for the Cook Islands Aitu World Cup campaign in October.
The premiership-winning outside back is set to overcome a syndesmosis injury for the Aitu in their World Cup charge, with Cook Islands teammate KL Iro revealing Holmes has told him he'll be fit to play.
“I saw him yesterday; he's got a moon boot on, but I think it's a low-grade, so he'll be sweet to go (out there) I'm pretty sure," Iro said.
“He told me he is sweet to go”.
A hip-drop injury struck Holmes down in the first half of the Dragons' Round 27 match against Parramatta, bravely attempting to play on, wincing in discomfort, before being pulled from the match.
Holmes is a crucial element to the Aitu side and missed the 2025 Pacific Championships with a season-ending shoulder injury, instead picking up the whistle and providing a coaching role under Karmichael Hunt last year.
It seemed luck would fail him again for this year's tournament, but Iro's positive update provides a massive boost for the developing rugby league nation.
Holmes is now a pivotal figure in driving the Aitu towards World Cup success, and forms a lethal centre pairing with the Sharks outside back.
He has achieved everything in the 13-man game, including NRL premierships, State of Origin series victories with the QLD Maroons, while also representing Australia at Test level.
Meanwhile, Iro has been a pioneer in driving recruitment for the Cook Islands side, who are striving to compete with the likes of Pacific heavyweights Samoa and Tonga.
Iro revealed to Zero Tackle in March that he has been "pestering" players who are eligible for the Aitu to switch their allegiance for October.
The damaging Sharks centre wears his Cook Islands heart on his sleeve and looks forward to the international challenge when his Sharks campaign is over.
"I'm always excited to put that jersey on and represent my country," Aitu skipper Iro said on Wednesday.
Iro's father, Kevin, accumulated 34 Tests for the Kiwis, while also having played for the Cook Islands in the latter part of his career, captained the Island country in their first ever World Cup in 2000.
“Yeah, massive," Iro responded when asked how important his heritage is to him.
"I grew up back home, so my heart is always with the Cook Islands."
Holmes and Iro are expected to be joined by Brendan Piakura, Davvy Moale, Esan Marsters, Makahesi Makatoa, and others for the tournament.
The Aitu will be immediately thrown into a baptism of fire, facing Australia, New Zealand and Fiji in the pool stages, kicking things off with some strong competition.
The Cook Islands face Fiji in Newcastle on October 18 in the first week of the World Cup.
