The Cook Islands will turn from keen observers to active participants on Thursday in their Rugby League World Cup opener against the United States.
The Kukis and Tomohawks are the final two teams to get their on field campaigns underway.
The Cook Islands were thumped 50-0 by New Zealand in their only warm-up game, while the USA beat France but team manager, and former captain, Kevin Iro the past few weeks have been very beneficial.
"We've had an ideal build-up playing the Kiwis, the world champs, first up and getting a bit of a lesson there and being able to then set our sights on our first game and the boys are really looking forward to it. Keeping our ruck tight and more communication and a whole lot of things are brought to light but we've got to also take into account they are the world champs and we are probably not going to expect as much firepower from the United States, hopefully."
