As the former star of the Wests Tigers, Titans, and Cowboys gets ready to play halfback for the Cook Islands against Fiji in Port Moresby, Esan Marsters has expressed his desire to return to the NRL.
After Tevin Arona was injured during last Sunday’s game against PNG, Marsters, who has spent the most of his 107 NRL and Super League games in the centers, will team up in the halves with former Parramatta Eels star Brad Takairangi.
The former Kiwis international moved to England this year to join Huddersfield in the Super League but still harbours hope of playing in the NRL and believes representing Cook Islands offers him an opportunity to remind clubs of his talent.
“I’ve got an end goal of wanting to come back to the NRL,” Marsters said. “I’m only 27 so I’ve still got a lot of good footy left in me.
“I’m enjoying the Super League, I’ve got my family there so it’s good but, for myself, I want to use this platform here to hopefully get back to the NRL.”
Marsters will be making his eighth international appearance for the Cook Islands and is committed to helping the Pacific nation qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the Southern Hemisphere by winning a berth at the inaugural World Series in 2025.
“My mum is of Cook Island descent, her mum and dad are Cookies, so it is a big thing for myself to represent our nation of 19 small islands and especially, to play with my cousin [Steven Marsters]. That’s massive for our family,” he said.
“There is a lot of good talent coming out of the Cook Islands, and if you look at the players who are playing for Australia and New Zealand, some of the big names who are playing for them could play for us as well.
We are treated like rock stars here in PNG and if we can build that across all islands it will be great for our game.
“The Pacific Championships is good exposure for our little nations. We are treated like rock stars here in PNG and if we can build that across all islands it will be great for our game.”
“I think when we had the ball we looked pretty good but we just ran out of energy,” Marsters said. “I think if we start good and start well, the conditions are humid si for us it is just going to be about better ball security.
“We know it is going to be a tough game but it’s a challenge for us that we are looking forward to.
“A couple of young guys get the chance to make their debuts which is good and the more game time we give to the younger guys the bette
“It is beneficial exposure for them to experience what it is like to play against NRL players and individuals who play with passion when they represent their country.”
