In-form Canberra fullback Charnze Nicol-Klokstad has been ruled out for the Cook Islands team to face South Africa in a World Cup qualification game at Wentworthville on Friday, June 21 with a slight hamstring strain.
It leaves Eels trio Tepai Moeroa, Marata Niukore and Brad Takairangi as the only current NRL players in the squad.
Up to nine players could make their international debuts for Tony Iro's team.
"There is a good mix of players with NRL club experience and players who are performing well in the Queensland and NSW Cup competitions," Iro said.
"We know that South Africa will present a tough challenge and we are looking forward to the match."
Cook Islands Kukis Squad
Sam Mataora (Belconnen), Eric Newbigging (Blacktown), Troy Dargan (Broncos), Reuben Porter (Raiders), Eli Noovao (CQ Capras), Aaron Teroi (CQ Capras), John Puna (Easts Tigers), Reuben Rennie (Mounties), Vincent Rennie (Mounties), Moses Noovao-Mcgreal (Norths Devils), Pride Petterson-Robati (Norths Devils), Paul Ulberg (Norths Devils), Kayal Iro (Norths Devils), Brodie Tamarua (Warriors), Tepai Moeroa (Eels), Marata Niukore (Eels), Brad Takairangi (Eels), Steven Marsters (St George Illawarra Dragons), Josh Minhinnick (Wentworthville)
