Knowing his sports-mad family and community are in his corner is all the motivation Amare Milford needs as he makes his international debut for the Cook Islands in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC).
The 20-year-old Kūki ‘Āirani and Samoan Melbourne Storm pathway player has been included in the Cook Islands 23-man squad for the first time, along with teammates K-Ci Newton-Whare, David Tuariki and NRL forward Davvy Moale, and he will make his debut for the side when they go up against the Kiwis in round two of the RLWC, on October 25, in Christchurch.
While born in Sydney and raised on the Gold Coast, Amare is proud of his Pacific heritage.
“On my Kūki side, I’m a proud Atiu man, with my grandpa on my mama’s side hailing from the village of Areora, and on my Samoan side, my dad is born and bred there, coming from the village of Pata Falelatai,” he shares.
Growing up, both rugby union and league have been a huge part of Amare’s life, with his dad and brothers all playing the two codes.
“Thanks to all my family, I came to really enjoy rugby as a whole – they drive me to take the field and give 100 per cent,” Amare says.
“What gives me the extra push though is seeing our Cook Island community all around the globe support us no matter what.
“To have people like that in our corner, drives me, no matter how tired or sore, to give it all I can.
“To have an opportunity to represent my family, my homeland, to me, is the greatest privilege I’m so honoured to have.”
For this World Cup, Amare says he wants to inspire all Cook Islanders who stand behind the national team, and who support them no matter what.
“Our team wants to show them that we do deserve to stand on this stage with everyone else,” he says.
“I can never be more thankful to our community and the Lord, for helping us through this campaign, you give us strength to fight through everything, so thank you, sincerely.”
The Cook Islands are in Pool A, alongside heavyweights Australia and New Zealand, and Fiji.
In round one, Fiji beat Cook Islands 40-12, and following this weekend’s match against Aotearoa New Zealand, the Kuki ‘Āirani team play Australia in Townsville on October 31.
Digicel PNG has secured the exclusive broadcast and digital rights in the Pacific for the tournament and will screen matches to Tonga, PNG, and Fiji.
With support from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), Pasifika TV will screen the men’s and women’s games to its affiliated broadcasters in other countries throughout the region.
For more information about match coverage, visit Pasifika TV or your local broadcaster.