Cook Islands have booked the last spot at next year's Rugby League World Cup, after Warriors star Marata Niukore led them to a 58-6 thumping of South Africa.

Niukore scored a double in Sunday's big win at Western Sydney Stadium, with the Pacific nation proving too skilful for the Rhinos.

Sporting a side with no NRL players and only a few State Cup members, South Africa led 6-4 early and did well to stay in the contest.

But when prop Davvy Moale crashed through three defenders to make it 10-6, South Africa's hopes of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2000 quickly evaporated.

Esan Marsters and Niukore both scored within five minutes of each other just before half-time.

And in the second half, it was a demolition job.

Five-eighth Cassius Cowley scored two tries and Niu

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