Women's Rugby League World Cup

Kiwi Ferns name World Cup squad

For the first time this selection process has included talent based in Australia, with a number of players making the trip to NZ to trial with their NZ based counterparts before the squad was selected.

Cook Islands women accept difficult Rugby League World Cup draw

The international newcomers secured the sixth and final berth, by default, after Fiji, Samoa and Tonga all withdrew from last month's Pacific qualifying tournament due to a lack of playing numbers.

The Cook Islands have been drawn in Pool A, alongside defending champions Australia and England, who finished third at the 2013 tournament.

They will also play a crossover match against the Kiwi Ferns and the President of Cook Islands Rugby League, Charles Carlson, said they will have to do it the hard way.