Wood is the Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League and Super League (Europe) and the newly appointed Chairman of the Rugby League International Federation after their AGM held in May this year in Sydney.

"I wanted to visit my two directors here in the Pacific mainly to try and understand the challenges you have in the region," says Wood.

Cook Islands Rugby League president Charles Carlson along with Tagaloa Faafouina Su'a of Samoa are the newly appointed Board of Directors on the Rugby League International Federation.

Carlson is also the current Chairman of the Asia Pacific Rugby League Confederation (APRLC) which is made up of Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, PNG, New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga.

Two Representatives from the Pacific and two from the European Rugby League Federation have been added on the board to strengthen its strategy to grow the game globally.

This is certainly a radical change from the old board structure that has been dominated by the big three nations of Australia, England and New Zealand.

“I’m certainly proud to be representing the Pacific and our tiny nation on to the international board,” says Carlson.

"Mr Wood is a man of action with the goal of growing the game globally and for him to make the effort to visit our little paradise speaks volumes of his commitment to the region.”

Crucial to the development of the game will be more international games to be played here in the Cook Islands followed by proper accreditation coaching clinics for both coaches and referees at all levels.

Carlson says that Wood was also interested in the standard of the grounds at the BCI National Stadium which he believes will also help entice international fixtures in the Cook Islands.

“At the moment RLIF is in the process of developing its international calendar to 2021 World Cup so nations will be in a much better position in planning their international commitments," says Wood.

The qualifying round for the World Cup 2017 starts next year and the Cook Islands is certainly committed to making that dream come true after a successful World Cup campaign in 2013.

“It’s not if but when the Cook Islands qualify next year for the World Cup 2017 to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand , a Cook Islands versus England warm up game here in the Cook Islands could be on the card prior to the WC2017,” says Carlson.

Wood left for Samoa yesterday and then back to Wellington for the final of the Four Nations between New Zealand and Australia before heading back home to England. - Play League or What!