The final countdown to a global rugby league showpiece has begun with the spectacular arrival of the Cook Islands men’s squad.
The team arrived at their base at Rockliffe Hall in Hurworth, just outside Darlington, this afternoon (Tuesday, October 11) ahead of a game with Tonga at the Riverside Stadium on Sunday, October 30.
Their arrival is the first in a string of events across the Tees Valley linked to the Rugby League World Cup 2022.
Squad representatives were greeted by Yarm School Brass Band, a flag parade and children; Alex and Ruby from Junction Farm Primary School, Eaglescliffe.
Read more: Why a Coronation Street actor will be visiting the North East later this month
Youngsters from Yarm Wolves ARLFC also gave the team a warm welcome.
Representatives from the bid partners, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Middlesbrough Football Club, Mowden Park, and Middlesbrough Council were also on hand to welcome the team.
Cook Islands squad members will be based at Rockliffe Hall 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.
Read more: First look inside Darlington's newest gym (and it's in a familiar place)
Tony Iro, Cook Islands Rugby Team Head Coach, said: “It was great to be welcomed with the national anthem, that was very unexpected. This place (Rockliffe Hall) is probably too good for us but I’m sure we’ll learn to live with it!”
Helena Bowman, head of business operations at Middlesbrough Football Club, said: “We’re really excited to welcome the team to the Riverside. We’ve been diversifying hat we use the venue for and hopefully this will really put the Tees Valley on the map and get more people interested in Rugby League.”
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 at Riverside Stadium.
“It’s not just about the match – they will also be on hand to inspire and encourage a new generation of sports fans in what is already a fast-growing game in the region, ensuring Rugby League has a legacy here long after the tournament is over.”
Read more: Man pops the question to girlfriend over a curry at Darlington restaurant
The tournament was scheduled to take place in 2021 but coronavirus restrictions saw it postponed until this year.
The Cook Islands team 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.
Councillor Stephen Hill, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Culture & Communities, said: “It’s amazing to be able to welcome the Cook Islands squad to Teesside for this long-awaited fixture, and both teams are assured the warmest of welcomes.
“It’s a mouth-watering prospect for rugby league fans, and the Riverside really will be rocking on October 30.”
Read next:
- ITV Good Morning Britain viewers 'disgusted' at woman's Newcastle flight ordeal
- 'Changed comedy forever': Ian Hislop and Nick Newman on bringing Spike to Darlington
- Huge firework display to go ahead in North East town as others are cancelled
If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here