Wales vs Cook Islands predictions and rugby league tips: Kukis kept in check

Free rugby league tips, best bets and analysis for Wednesday's Rugby League World Cup clash between Wales and Cook Islands.

Where to watch

BBC Two & iPlayer, 7.30pm Wednesday

Best bet

Wales +8.5 on first-half handicap
2pts 4-5 Betfred

Match preview

Handicap favourites continue to flounder at the Rugby League World Cup and Wales could be the latest side to challenge the handicapper in their Group D opener at the Leigh Sports Village.

France, asked to cover 24 points, were the latest side to fall short of the mark in their 34-12 win over Greece on Monday prior to Tuesday's match between Tonga and Papua New Guinea.

And Wales, handed an 18-point start, could put up some stubborn early resistance against the Cook Islands before running out of steam later on in the contest.

A look at the the teamsheets suggests quite a mismatch and bookmakers agree with the Cook Islands 1-7 for victory with Wales best at 6-1.

The Kuki's are packed full of Betfred Super League talent with Anthony Gelling, Brad Takairangi, Esan Marsters and Zane Tetevano some of the star names on show.

Wales, coached by experienced campaigner John Kear, can call upon familiar faces Elliot Kear and Rhys Williams but that's about as good as it gets for the Dragons.

Kear will have his side fired up and well drilled but the Welsh have lost seven consecutive matches at the World Cup, including a 28-24 loss to the Cook Islands in 2013.

Things may not be as close this time around but Wales can keep it tight early on and may be in touching distance of the Kuki's at the break.

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