Rugby League World Cup Week 1, Tips and Previews
England vs. Samoa
October 16th
A three-time winner of the World Cup, England goes into this tournament as the host, ranked number three and has a strong chance of hoisting the silverware at the end. Samoa is packed full of NRL talent and, in many ways, is a known quality to Australian punters, but the English Super League is no walk in the park, and some of the competition’s best players will be primed to represent their nation on the world stage.
Kai Pearce-Paul is the danger man for the English side, with the versatility that could cover weaknesses across the field. He will look to have an impact early but has a big task ahead of him.
Samoa are highly rated but has been set back with several stars choosing not to participate in the World Cup. On paper, they look strong with six players from the Penrith team that won the NRL premiership just weeks ago, but questions have to be asked if this is just an afterthought to that achievement. According to the markets, this is the closest match-up in the opening week of games, and there is some value in the England team.
SUGGESTED BET:
England to win at $2.22
Australia vs. Fiji
October 16th
This tournament is traditionally lopsided, and the astute punter will look at the lines to find a bet worth having. That seems to be the case in this one, with Australia almost certainly taking the win, but the question is how much by.
There is no shortage of experience in the Fijian team, with Sunia Turuva already displaying his talents at the international level with two tries against Papua New Guinea earlier in the year. He is too young to lead a team to a win over the powerful Kangaroos outfit. Still, with Apisai Koroiseau, Semi Valemei and Tui Kamikamica taking the field with him, Fiji may be able to play above their number six world ranking and run the Australian team closer than many think.
SUGGESTED BET:
Fiji +39.5 at $1.90
Scotland vs. Italy
October 17th
Italy is far from a rugby league powerhouse, but they do have a sprinkling of NRL experience that might see them put up a fight here. Nathan Brown won’t be taken lightly, while Cooper Johns has the bloodline to justify his presence on this stage.
They take on a Scotland team that is not overly experienced and could easily be overwhelmed in such a tournament.
Euan Aitken is the only member of this team to have played at the NRL level this season. Scotland is probably the least fancied team in their group and may well be out of their depth in this and every other Group B match they have.
