Parramatta Eels forward Marata Niukore is set to be allowed to play at the Rugby League World Cup thanks to the bending of an eligibility rule. One part of the eligibility rules states that players may not switch nations during a tournament, which includes the qualifying stage. However, Niukore couldn't play for the Cook Islands either under another part of the rules, which state players may not switch nations within a single calendar year. He had the opportunity to play [for Cook Islands]. Marata had knowledge that if he played in that test, there was every chance he wouldn’t play in the World Cup.

Source: Stuff September 19, 2022 23:51 UTC