Aitu captain KL Iro says Valentine Holmes should be ready for his Cook Islands debut at the World Cup, despite the ankle injury that forced him from the field in St George Illawarra’s 24-22 win over Parramatta.
Early fears of a high-ankle sprain had raised doubts over Holmes’ availability. But two days later, after catching up with his Aitu team-mate, Iro said the injury looked like a low-grade sprain.
I think it’s a low-grade sprain so he’ll be sweet to go.KL Iro, Aitu captain
Iro was speaking at Cronulla training ahead of the Sharks’ elimination final against North Queensland. He has played 11 Tests for the Cook Islands and grew up in Rarotonga, which makes leading the Aitu at a World Cup especially meaningful.
The Iro name runs deep in the game. His father Kevin played 34 Tests for the Kiwis and finished his international career with four for the Cook Islands, including the 2000 World Cup. His uncle Tony Iro played 25 Tests for New Zealand.
