Cook Islands Rugby League says it's a pity the Pacific team will have a reduced presence at the next Rugby League World Cup.
Five Pacific teams competed at the 2013 edition, but only four will make the trip to New Zealand and Australia in 2017.
Fiji and Samoa will be there because both made the knockout stages two years ago, but only two other qualifying places have been awarded to the region.
The president of Cook Islands Rugby League, Charles Carlson, says that unfortunately leaves the Cook Islands facing a make-or-break clash later this year.
"It'll be a pity to lose one of the Pacific teams because rugby league is very strong in the region and hopefully we can still argue our case that all our teams should be in the World Cup, especially those that fronted in the World Cup in 2013, so unfortunately it will have to come to this one between us and Tonga".
Charles Carlson says he plans to lobby for the five places to be restored.
President of Cook Islands Rugby League Charles Carlson (far right). Photo: RNZI / Vinnie Wylie