Kiwis crush Aitu to cap dominant day for NZ at Rugby League World Cup

After a brief scare, the Kiwis have crushed the Cook Islands 82-16 to pick up their first win of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.The tone was set early with a fierce pair of challenges, but it was the Kiwis firing the first shots with two quick tries.But the Aitu shocked the Kiwis with three of their own to take a lead and briefly send tremors through the Kiwis coaching box.Esom Ioka's quickfire hat-trick gave the Cook Islands a surprise lead, but it wouldn't last long as the Kiwis clicked into gear and blew the Aitu away.It took just three minutes for the Kiwis to get on the board, a crisp series of passes through the backs sending Jamayne Isaako away for the opener.Just moments later, the Kiwis were in again through their other winger Ronaldo Mulitalo off a great ball by Casey McLean and it looked like things could get ugly quick.But with the Kiwis looking set for a third, the Aitu, struck against the run of play, Ioka plucking a pass out of the air and streaking 90 metres away to send Rarotonga into raptures.The Cook Islands went back to back in quick succession, Brad Takairangi putting it on an absolute platter with a cross kick to Ioka for his second.Another stunning moment followed for Ioka, this time a 40 metre intercept to put his side in front.With a sense of panic and urgency creeping in, the Kiwis reclaimed the lead through Isaako, converting his own try from out wide with a superb in-swinging strike.Relief replaced the unease as Scott Sorensen ran onto a prefect Jahrome Hughes ball to restore an eight point advantage.Tanner Stowers-Smith scored a double on debut for the Kiwis.Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nzMore breathing space came after Tanner Stowers-Smith, on debut in his home city, rumbled his way over for the Kiwi's fifth.With halftime approaching, the Kiwis struck again through McLean to take them to 36-16 at the break.Usually known for his slick footwork, fullback Keano Kini instead took the direct route as he bust his way through the Cook Islands line to kick off the Kiwis scoring in the second.Taking the ball flat footed 10 out from the line, Tanner-Smith displayed his dogged determination to bulldoze his way over for a double on debut.Kodi Nikorima brought up the half century, before McLean showed why he is regarded as one of the best centres in the game right now, effortlessly weaving past two defender for his second.With the result assured the Kiwis brought the razzle dazzle, Isaako completing his hat-trick after some enterprising attack.Isaako capped off his fruitful afternoon with a third try to go with 13 conversions before replacement Te Maire Martin dotted down in the act of copping a high shot.Driving in one final nail to the brave Cooks Island side, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad ended the Kiwi's try scoring spree in the 79th.A brave effort by the Aitu, but the Kiwis just a class above in Christchurch.The double header with the Kiwi Ferns saw the two teams rack up 174 points and 32 tries in a dominant day for New Zealand rugby league.Follow all the action with our live blog below:Embedded content removed for printingKiwis squad:Erin Clark (Warriors), James Fisher-Harris (Warriors), Dane Gagai (Newcastle Knights), Jahrome Hughes (Melbourne Storm), Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), Keano Kini (Gold Coast Titans), Jacob Laban (Warriors), Moses Leota (Penrith Panthers), Jeremy Marshall-King (Dolphins), Te Maire Martin (Warriors), Casey McLean (Penrith Panthers), Ronaldo Mulitalo (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), Briton Nikora (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins), Isaiah Papali'i (Penrith Panthers), Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights), Scott Sorensen (Penrith Panthers), Tanner Stowers-Smith (Warriors), Joseph Tapine (Canberra Raiders), Leo Thompson (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Naufahu Whyte (Sydney Roosters), Xavier Willison (Brisbane Broncos).