Tag: NRL

Rugby League: NRL Nines Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The Auckland NRL Nines is an extravaganza of sun, fun and booze (the stadium stopped serving alcohol last year on account of “the entire stadium being drunk”).  The 2015 edition is set to be another action packed showcase featuring all 16 NRL teams. Check out preview of each of those sides below with odds courtesy of BetEasy:

Brisbane Broncos

The squad: Andrew McCullough (captain), Ajuma Adams, Elijah Alick, Joe Boyce, Greg Eden, James Gavet, Alex Glenn, Todd Lowrie, Lachlan Maranta, Anthony Milford, Francis Molo, Darren Nicholls, Jayden Nikorima, Kodi Nikorima, Joe Ofahengaue, Tom Opacic, Matt Parcell, Aaron Whitchurch.

The player to watch: Andrew McCullough made the tournament team last year after a host of quality performances that saw his team through to the final.  The 80-minute NRL player can easily go the distance in the shorter format, and in 2014 showed an improvement in his running game that makes him ideally suited to this format.

The odds: $17.00

Last Year: Beaten Finalists

This Year: Should go well again this year with Milford, Kodi Nikorima and other speedsters.  Top four finish achievable.

Canterbury Bulldogs

The squad: Tim Browne, Damien Cook, Levi Dodd, Adam Elliott, Herman Ese’ese, Antonio Kaufusi, Shaun Lane, Michael Lichaa, Moses Mbye, Josh Morris, Sam Perrett, Lloyd Perrett, Tyrone Phillips, Frank Pritchard, Curtis Rona, Corey Thompson, Aiden Tolman, Tony Williams.

The player to watch: Josh Morris is the name that stands out in a squad of useful but vulnerable players.  We expect the NRL Nines first timer to use his pace to stamp his mark on the Auckland event.  The squad also features the exciting Sharks recruit Michael Lichaa.

The odds: $19.00

Last Year: Group Stage (1 win)

This Year: Like last year, the Bulldogs are light on superstars, but they have bolstered their squad with the likes of Tolman, Pritchard and Williams, who should bolster the defence that leaked 46 points in a difficult pool last year.  Group stages again.

Canberra Raiders

The squad: Sam Williams, Mitch Cornish, Jarrod Croker (c), Lachlan Croker, Sisa Waqa, Joel Edwards, Josh McCrone, Rhys Kennedy, Glen Buttriss, Brenko Lee, Bill Tupou, Jack Ahearn, Luke Bateman, Haydon Hodge, Mark Nicholls, Kyle O’Donnell, Tevita Pangai Jnr, Ken Nagas

The player to watch: Sisa Waqa was often seen running in tries for Melbourne during most weeks of the NRL season, and despite his new colours of the Canberra green machine we expect him to do the same this weekend.  Also of note, 41-year old Ken Nagas plays the Brad Fittler role of old NRL Nines veteran.

The odds: $34.00

Last Year: Group Stage (1 win)

This Year: Will probably struggle. Aside from Brenko Lee, not enough x-factor to trouble the stronger sides.  Resigned to the group stages again.

Cronulla Sharks 

The squad: Valentine Holmes, Sosaia Feki, Gerard Beale, Ricky Leutele, Jack Bird, Nu Brown, Kyle Stanley, Sam Tagataese, Pat Politoni, Tinirau Arona, Matt Prior, Chris Heighington, Blake Ayshford, Nathan Gardner, Todd Murphy, Sami Sauiluma, Junior Roqica.

The player to watch: Valentine Holmes was a revelation at the end of last season amongst the Sharks’ peptide debacle.  After being named in the Holden Cup team of the year big things are expected of the winger.  We’re picking him to be one of the NRL Nines best.

The odds: $12.00

Last Year: Semi-Finals

This Year: Could do well again, but as teams have more experience in the format and improved their squads, the Sharks could be one of the teams that go backwards.  Quarter-Finals.

Gold Coast Titans

The squad: Will Zillman, James Roberts, Anthony Don, David Mead, Josh Hoffman, Brad Tighe, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Aidan Sezer, Daniel Mortimer, Christian Hazard, Kierran Moseley, Ryan James, Mark Ioane, Luke Douglas, Lachlan Burr, Davin Crampton, Dave Taylor, Matt Robinson.

The player to watch: The post season addition of Josh Hoffman is a massive coup for the traditionally disappointing Titans.  Hoffman is a test quality outside back that will do very well in this format surrounded by the likes of Zillman, Mead, Sezer, Mortimer, and Taylor.

The odds: $11.00

Last Year: Group Stage (1 win)

This Year: The Titans certainly have a strong side, even if it is made up of similar players to last year.  Just two wins gets you to the Quarter-Finals, and we’re backing the Titans for one.  Group Stage.

Manly Sea Eagles

The squad: Daly Cherry-Evans (c), Manaia Rudolph, Jayden Hodges, Brayden Wiliame, Tony Satini, Kieran Foran, Clinton Gutherson, Tom Trbojevic, Peta Hiku, Tom Symonds, Cheyse Blair, James Hasson, Feleti Mateo, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Josh Starling, Michael Chee Kam, Blake Leary, Dunamis Lui.

The player to watch: Daly Cherry-Evans has played test football in the forwards and in the backs.  He’s versatile and this year has his mate Kieran Foran playing alongside of him.  Opening up space for Gutherson and Hiku to finish off the plays.  The Sea Eagles has an abundance of depth with Mateo the third ball playing option.

The odds: $13.00

Last Year: Group Stage (1 win)

This Year: Despite beating the tournament winners – North Queensland Cowboys – the Sea Eagles couldn’t make the Quarter Finals.  We think they will this year though.  Semi-Finals too.  The bookies like the look of the team as shown by the halving of their odds once the squad was released.

Melbourne Storm

The squad: Young Tonumaipea, Kenny Bromwich, Will Chambers (c), Kurt Mann, Richie Kennar, Dayne Weston, Cameron Munster, Hymel Hunt, Tim Glasby, Marika Koroibete, Travis Robinson, Christian Welch, Ben Hampton, Billy Brittain, Francis Tualau, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Suliasi Vunivalu, Shaun Nona.

The player(s) to watch: Cameron Munster and Kurt Mann both got their opportunity last year during the notoriously difficult origin period, and both made impacts much larger than their diminutive frames.  The small players go well in this format and these two will be particularly elusive.

The odds: $26.00

Last Year: Group Stage (1 win)

This Year: Melbourne don’t tend to worry too much about the nines.  None of the big three are available.  No decent NRL Nines history.  No chance.  Group Stage.

Newcastle Knights

The squad: Sione Mata’utia, Jake Mamo, Dane Gagai, Chanel Mata’utia, Carlos Tuimavave, Jarrod Mullen (c), Tyrone Roberts, Pat Mata’utia, Adam Clydsdale, Paterika Vaivai, Tyler Randell, Chris Houston, Robbie Rochow, Nathan Ross, Korbin Sims, Joseph Tapine, Jack Stockwell, Danny Levi.

The player to watch: Sione Mata’utia is an 18-year old of immense promise.  The youngster has already tasted test football with the Kangaroos during the Four Nations last year, and displayed so many characteristics that are shared with quality sevens and nines players.  With his brothers also a part of the squad Mata’utia will be a key component of the Knights finals march.

The odds: $11.00

Last Year: Quarter-Finals

This Year: The Knights are second favourites; partly because of the brothers and partly because of a number of repeat performers who made a decent fist of it last year in making the quarters.  Quarters to Semis this year again.

New Zealand Warriors

The squad: Shaun Johnson (c), Matthew Allwood, Nathan Friend, Ben Henry, Ryan Hoffman, Solomone Kata, Ngani Laumape, Sam Lisone, Tuimoala Lolohea, Sione Lousi, Suaia Matagi, Ben Matulino, Ken Maumalo, Nathaniel Roache, Bodene Thompson, Sam Tomkins, Chad Townsend, Manu Vatuvei.

The player to watch: Last years player of the tournament, Shaun Johnson, was incredibly disappointed not to deliver Auckland an NRL Nines title last year.  He gets a chance this year to atone and has included some of the Warriors best to help him do so.  New recruits Allwood, Wright, Thompson and Hoffman join last years team of the tournament inductee Suaia Matagi to help Johnson live up to their overwhelming favourites tag.

The odds: $3.75

Last Year: Semi-Finals

This Year: Were unfortunately held scoreless in last years semi against the Cowboys, but won’t have any problem scoring points this year with Tomkins and Johnson.  They will be finalists and should take it out.

North Queensland Cowboys

The squad: Michael Morgan, Justin O’Neill, Tautau Moga, Kyle Feldt, Matthew Wright, Ray Thompson, Robert Lui, John Asiata, Rory Kostjasyn, Kelepi Tanginoa, Gavin Cooper (c), Ethan Lowe, Jason Taumalolo, Jake Granville, Zac Santo, Coen Hess, Javid Bowen, Ben Spina.

The player to watch: Kyle Feldt was the breakout star of last years tournament and the joint top scorer. He’s also part of a strong Cowboys team that is led by Gavin Cooper who made the tournament team in 2014.  In Jonathan Thurston’s absence, Feldt provides the x-factor and is one to watch.

The odds: $12.00

Last Year: Champions

This Year: We don’t think they have the side to go back to back, but could sneak by some better teams that take them lightly.

Parramatta Eels

The squad: Wil Hopoate, Semi Radradra, John Folau, Brad Takairangi, Reece Robinson, Corey Norman, Chris Sandow (c), Junior Paulo, Kaysa Pritchard, Peni Terepo, Manu Ma’u, Tepai Moeroa, Joseph Paulo, David Gower, Kenny Edwards, Halauafu Lavaka, Pauli Pauli, Luke Kelly

The player to watch: Manu Ma’u has gone from a New Zealand prison to a Rugby League superstar thanks to his breakout season last year for the Eels.  Although he broke his arm late in the NRL season, he was still one of the finds of the competition.  He’ll be hoping to pick up where he left off last year (in the 13 man code).

The odds: $13.00

Last Year: Quarter-Finals

This Year: The Eels have a useful little side – packed with experience, with enough flair to trouble some of the better sides.  They’ll make the quarters and could push the Semis too.

Penrith Panthers

The squad: Brendan Attwood, Christian Crichton, Joshua Jay, Isaac John, Apisai Koroisau, Kieran Moss, Andy Aunders, Nathan Smith, Tupou Sopoaga, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Adrian Davis, George Jennings, Kevin Kingston, Sika Manu, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Chris Smith, Will Smith, Isaah Yeo.

The player to watch: Tupou Sopoaga is a great acquisition for the Panthers, moving from the Sharks after some eye-opening performances in 16 games last season.  Sopoaga runs hard and works hard, meaning the pace of the NRL Nines won’t be too much for him to handle.

The odds: $15.00

Last Year: Quarter-Finals

This Year: The Panthers odds have gone a bit from early projections.  The squad doesn’t install confidence, and in all honesty, includes the most names we had to research as we didn’t know who they were.  Only Group Stages for the Sydney boys.

St George Illawarra Dragons 

The squad: Euan Aitken, Mike Cooper, Shannon Crook, Josh Dugan, Tyson Frizell, Craig Garvey, Nathan Green, Yaw Kiti Glymin, Beau Henry, Dan Hunt, Benji Marshall (c), Peter Mata’utia, Will Matthews, Eto Nabuli, Jason Nightingale, Adam Quinlan, Joel Thompson, Shannon Wakeman.

The player to watch: Benji Marshall has trimmed the fat (literally) after a failed rugby stint and just about discovered some of his best form at the end of the NRL season.  He’ll undoubtedly want to make a point at Eden Park – the home of his rugby career with the Blues.

The odds: $21.00

Last Year: Group Stage (1 win)

This Year: Will improve from last years effort. Quarter Finals for sure and then anything goes.  Look for fine individual efforts from Dugan, Frizzle, Thompson and Marshall to win them games.  Adam Quinlan might be scratched from this line-up as he has just agreed in principle to an Eels switch.

Sydney Roosters

The squad: Mitchell Aubusson, Brendan Elliot, Kane Evans, Jackson Hastings, Samisoni Langi, Nene Macdonald, James Maloney, Willie Manu, Sam Moa, Taane Milne, Dylan Napa, Mitchell Pearce (c), Lagi Setu, Nathan Stapleton, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (c), Mitchell Williams.

The player to watch: If there has ever been a player born to play NRL Nines it’s Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.  Graceful feet, impeccable balance and a brutal turn of speed are the attributes that make him such a dynamic threat in the open field carnival.

The odds: $12.00

Last Year: Group Stage (1 win)

This Year: Aside from the wonder kid, there will also be interest in Brendan Elliot a Holden Cup tournament team inclusion.  Interest is also coming from the bookies, they have slashed the Roosters odds from $26.00 to $12.00.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

The squad: Joel Reddy, Bryson Goodwin, Dylan Walker, Matt King, Chris McQueen, Issac Luke (c), Adam Reynolds, George Burgess, Angus Crichton, Ben Lowe, Jason Clark, Tom Hughes, David Tyrrell, Aaron Gray, Kyle Turner, Cameron McInnes, Chris Grevsmuhl, Setefano Taukafa.

The player to watch: Dylan Walker made the NRL Nines team of the tournament, then he won a Grand Final and then he made the Australian team.  It was a great year for him.  2015 could be equally as impressive with a win at the Nines and if the Rabbitohs are to have a chance he’ll be at the forefront of the action.

The odds: $15.00

Last Year: Quarter-Finals

This Year: The team has an interesting mix of experience and youth, and could compete better than they did last year, where they lost to the Warriors by one point in the Quarters.  Back them to go even better this year.

Wests Tigers

The squad: Sitaleki Akauola, Nathan Brown, Jack Buchanan, Manaia Cherrington, Josh Drinkwater, Asipeli Fine, Salesi Funaki, Delouise Hoeter, Chris Lawrence (c), Lamar Liolevave, Kyle Lovett, Joel Luani, Kevin Naiqama, Pat Richards, Brenden Santi, Ava Seumanufagai, Tim Simona, Sauaso Sue.

The player to watch: Josh Drinkwater left the NRL having not achieved too much game time.  Thus a stint in London Broncos is exactly what the doctor ordered.  Drinkwater racked up 136 points in his 25 appearances and now with the Tigers is expected to push on from junior footy promise and get that game time.

The odds: $26.00

Last Year: Group Stage (1 win)

This Year: No surprises the Tigers are rank outsiders.  The side looks weak on paper, which isn’t always the defining indicator, but it is influencing our decision to mark them as Groupies only.

 

Four Nations Final Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Three weeks of excitement culminates in a final that could go pear shaped pretty quickly if the reports of a savage virus running through the Australia camp is anything to go by.

The virus threatens to derail the confidence gaining Australians who are desperate to overturn a first round loss to the Kiwi’s, and save their coaches’ job.  As the media swarm on Tim Sheens and the entire Kangaroos squad, the focus for the New Zealanders has been on finding a way to match the intensity they operated at in game one but have failed to match since.  That task has become a lot tougher with the scratching of influential hooker Thomas Leuluai (with a shoulder injury), who was shaping as an important piece of the Kiwi’s ruck defence.

Another major obstacle in the way of a New Zealand Four Nations win is history;  The Kiwis haven’t won consecutive games against the Kangaroos since 1953.  On the other hand the Wellington venue could provide a home town lift, and the Kiwi’s are always capable of springing a surprise in the final of major tournaments.

The last time the sides met (in the first round of the Four Nations) the Kiwi’s thumped the Kangaroos sprinting away to a 30-12 win.  The win was based on aggressive defence and added pressure on the opposition’s superstars.  However, since then the Aussie team have got their act together with impressive wins over England and Samoa.  As the Kangaroos get more time with each other, and as Tim Sheens settles on his best side, they continue to improve and appear to be on course to become the fearsome all-conquering side we all know.

In Greg Inglis and Cameron Smith they probably have the two best International Rugby League players on the planet, and big finals are usually won by big plays, by big players.  That’s why I can’t see them losing this one.  Close, but Australia by 6.

Odds

Australia $1.76

New Zealand $2.10

Four Nations odds courtesy of Sportingbet Australia.

Teams 


New Zealand: 1-Peta Hiku, 2-Jason Nightingale, 3-Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 4-Dean Whare, 5-Manu Vatuvei, 6-Kieran Foran, 7-Shaun Johnson, 8-Jesse Bromwich, 9-Issac Luke, 10-Adam Blair, 11-Simon Mannering (c), 12-Kevin Proctor, 13-Jason Taumalolo

Interchange: 14-Lewis Brown, 15-Greg Eastwood, 16-Martin Taupau, 17-Tohu Harris, 18-Gerard Beale, Bodene Thompson (two to be omitted).

Australia: 1. Greg Inglis, 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Dylan Walker, 5. Sione Mata’utia, 6. Daly Cherry-Evans, 7. Cooper Cronk, 8. Aaron Woods, 9. Cameron Smith (c), 10. Josh Papalii, 11. Sam Thaiday, 12. Greg Bird, 13. Corey Parker.

Interchange: 14. Boyd Cordner, 15. Robbie Farah, 16. Aidan Guerra, 17. Ryan Hoffman, 18. Ben Hunt, 19. Josh Jackson, 20. David Klemmer (three to be omitted).

Win Big – Four Nations Special

First Try Scorer – Adam Blair – $67

Four Nations odds courtesy of Sportingbet Australia.

Four Nations Finalists Found After More Drama

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Drama and Destruction were the themes in two contrasting Four Nations matches this weekend.  New Zealand and Australia’s dominance of the Four Nations continued with both sealing finals births.

New Zealand v England (16-14)

The Kiwis scraped into the Four Nations final with a narrow victory over a gallant English side in the penultimate round of the Four Nations.

The Kiwis only needed to avoid a heavy defeat to sew up a Four Nations final birth, but instead chose the more dignified route, winning by two points in front a raucous Dunedin crowd.

The game was close for the duration with only a conversion separating the sides after Gareth Widdop cruelly hit the upright with this first two attempts.  Despite being close, this one always had the feel of a New Zealand victory, thanks in part to their fleet footed forward pack that ate up metres in the middle of the park.

A frenetic start saw four tries in the first 30 minutes, all to wingers, a theme that continued for the rest of the game.  Jason Nightingale’s early opener was cancelled out by a Ryan Hall effort before Josh Charnley briefly gave England their only lead of the night.  The wingers then continued to dominate the key plays.  Nightingale scored a try – Vatuvei bombed a try – Hall bombed a try – Hall scored a try.

Thomas Leuluai made a massive impact for the Kiwi’s both defensively and in the attacking end, compounding Isaac Luke to a fair few minutes on the bench.  Simon Mannering was epic in defence too and worthy of a mention.  England again showed they can match it with the top two of International league, and in James Graham, Geaorge Burgess and Daryl Clark have three forwards to build their future plans around.  That’s provided George Burgess doesn’t follow his brother to Rugby Union.

The finish lacked points but in keeping with the tournament trend, was full of tension.

The Kiwi’s can celebrate by turning their attention to the Four Nations final in Wellington on Saturday night.  The English, well they celebrated with a visit to a famous Dunedin student flat and smashed the front door down.

 

Australia v Samoa (44-18)

Joining New Zealand in the Final are the Kangaroos as they easily saw off the surprise package Samoans in Wollongong by 44-18.

After shaky performances in the first two weeks of the Four Nations the Australians finally played to their potential, relying on superstars Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk and Daly Cherry-Evans.

Cherry-Evans’ 30 minute breakaway try effectively sealed as much and ended Samoa’s bold Four Nations campaign.  Ill-discipline was the killer for the Samoans, Joey Leilua who was so dynamic against the Kiwi’s last week only bothered chalking up penalties this week rather than the more sought after Rugby League stats such as metres, line breaks and tries.  Josh McGuire who many believe should’ve have been playing for Australia, and not Samoa, was their most effective forward, while surprise package David Klemmer saw his stocks rise with an exceptional display.

The result delivers the expected Four Nations final and a repeat of last years Old Trafford showpiece.

Four Nations Week 3 Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Will week three of the Four Nations finally see the favourites dominant their opponents?  Can Samoa scare a third straight team?  Will England’s point deferential struggle let their game?

Those will be the key questions being answered in week three of the Four Nations.  Let’s look at the two games.

New Zealand v England

The Kiwi’s shift venues form the beautiful afternoon sun in Whangarei to the closed roofed Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin to take on the desperate English in the week’s first game.  The game features and interesting test for mathematicians as they calculate the scenarios that will decide the Four Nations finalists.  At this stage, if New Zealand win or draw they are through to the final;  if they lose heavily then they need Samoa to get close to, or beat, Australia

Both teams met lady luck last week.  The Kiwi’s escaped a stern Samoan test and were fortunate to cross for a late four pointer to win the duel for the fictional blonde in the green dress.  England on the other hand got stood up; they narrowly lost to Australia thanks to a controversial final minute TMO decision.

Both sides have played some decent football in the Four Nations thus far.  New Zealand’s best was missing last week, but they have added experience to that side by reinstating Thomas Leuluai and Greg Eastwood to the interchange bench.  Isaac Luke will be better for last week’s hit out and he should be able to ignite the Kiwi’s play utilising the offloads of Bromwich and Blair and the rest of the hard running forward pack.  However, their susceptible backbone has errors in them and will need to be at top form to control the exciting English equivalents.

The geezers have shown that they have improved since last years World Cup.  In last year’s semi-final they suffered a last minute loss to the Kiwi’s and despite some reservations about their ability to close out games, I’m backing them to be right up for this challenge.

Key contributors James Graham and Gareth Widdop will look to exploit a soft New Zealand middle and error prone back three.  In Ryan Hall and Josh Charnley they have two World class wingers who could benefit from the pressure instilled on the nervy Kiwis.

I’m picking an upset here.  England by 6.

Odds

New Zealand $1.45

England $2.80

Four Nations odds courtesy of Sportingbet.

Teams

New Zealand: 1. Peta Hiku, 2. Jason Nightingale, 3. Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 4. Dean Whare, 5. Manu Vatuvei, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Issac Luke, 10. Adam Blair, 11. Simon Mannering (c), 12. Kevin Proctor, 13. Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: 14. Thomas Leuluai, 15. Greg Eastwood, 16. Martin Taupau, 17. Tohu Harris, 18. Lewis Brown (one to be omitted).

England: 1. Sam Tomkins, 2. Josh Charnley, 3. Kallum Watkins, 4. Dan Sarginson, 5. Ryan Hall, 6. Gareth Widdop, 7. Matty Smith, 8. George Burgess, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. James Graham, 11. Liam Farrell, 12. Joel Tomkins, 13. Sean O’Loughlin (c). Interchange:
14. Daryl Clark, 15. Brett Ferres, 16. Tom Burgess, 17. Chris Hill.

 

Australia v Samoa

Samoa have been a revelation in the Four Nations thus far but I fear their energy may have already been consumed in their sterling efforts in weeks one and two.  They should be no match for the World Champion Australian outfit, but they could still influence the finalists based on the points differential calculations.

Australia have been forced to reshuffle their back;  Beau Scott forced out with injury and replaced by Josh Papalii in the run on side.    While Samoa have opted for a tactical change and bring in nightclub troublemaker Reni Maitua.  Expect the Aussies to be far too strong in this matchup.  The structured play and kicking game of Cooper Cronk should force Samoa into mistakes.  Of particular interest to a lot of pundits is the centre battle;  Jennings and Walker v Lafai and Leila will be brilliant to watch.

Odds

Australia $1.09

Samoa $7.75

Teams

Australia: 1. Greg Inglis, 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Dylan Walker, 5. Sione Mata’utia, 6. Daly Cherry-Evans, 7. Cooper Cronk, 8. Aaron Woods, 9. Cameron Smith (c), 10. Josh Papalii, 11. Sam Thaiday, 12. Greg Bird, 13. Corey Parker. Interchange: 14. Boyd Cordner, 15. Robbie Farah, 16. Aidan Guerra, 17. Ryan Hoffman, 18. Ben Hunt, 19. David Klemmer, 20. Matt Moylan (three to be omitted).

Samoa: 1 Tim Simona, 2 Antonio Winterstein, 3 Tim Lafai, 4 Joseph Leilua, 5 Daniel Vidot, 6 Ben Roberts, 7 Kyle Stanley, 8 Isaac Liu, 9 Pita Godinet, 10 David Fa’alogo (c), 11 Frank Pritchard, 12 Leeson Ah Mau, 13 Josh McGuire. Interchange: 14 Dunamis Lui, 15 Reni Maitua, 16 Sauaso Sue, 17 Mose Masoe, 18 Jesse Sene-Lefao, 19 Tautau Moga (two to be omitted).

Four Nations odds courtesy of Luxbet.

Luckless Samoa Denied At The Death (Four Nations)

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

England and Samoa were the unlucky teams in a pair of nail-biting finishes rarely seen in International Rugby League.

Both sides outplayed their highly fancied opponents and deserved upset wins only to be cruelly denied in the last moments.

New Zealand v Samoa

Shaun Kenny-Dowall’s late try was enough to sink a passionate Samoan effort in the Whangarei sun on Saturday afternoon.  In a game often lacking in quality, but featuring plenty of aggression, the complacent Kiwis were rocked by a powerful Samoan forward pack and riot running / fearsome haircut centre Joey Leilua.

Samoa were the better starters and took a surprise but deserved lead from a Tautau Moga breakaway try.  Moga had been suspended from the first week of games because of a nightclub incident, and his touchline dash may have mimicked his actions avoiding police of the fateful night in question.

The Samoans, who were paying $3 just to lead at any stage, played huge Bronco’s forward Josh McGuire at hooker for the opening stanza, and controlled played nicely through the usually erratic Ben Roberts.  New Zealand on the other hand showed none of their week one Four Nations form; they were untidy, and lacked imagination and spark in the attacking third.

The win for the Kiwi’s was less about their escape, but more about what Samoa achieved.  There is much to admire about the side that in one game have done plenty for the global game.  They have easily made the biggest impact of any of the fourth teams to play in the Four Nations.

New Zealand have not played well in either game so consider England a chance next week.

England v Australia

A finger nail was all that separated the sides on Sunday night in Melbourne.  A fiercely debated TMO decision that went against the English has made their qualifying path to the final much tougher.  The try / no try call came in the dying stages and saw winger Ryan Hall half force the ball and half smack it over the dead ball line while chasing a Liam Farrell grubber.  It probably wasn’t a try in my view, but it was a fortuitous Four Nations escape for the mediocre Aussies.

England dominated the first half; playing with width and enterprise they tired the Australian team who went into the break behind and risking a place in the Four Nations final.  Daryl Clark again ignited the English attack, leading to tries for Kallum Watkins and Ryan Hall.  Unfortunately for the sunburn susceptible English they went into their shell in the second stanza and were left exposed to a quicker ruck initiated by debutant Ben Hunt.

Discipline also let England down as referee Cameron Smith Gerard Sutton penalised heavily as the game’s momentum shifted.  In other highlights: Cameron Smith was man of the match, Ben Hunt was terrific and must play against Samoa, Greg Inglis scores tries for fun, and Sam Tomkins has a questionable new thigh tattoo.

Expect Aussie to put 40 on Samoa next week when the Four Nations picks its finalists.

 

 

Four Nations Rugby League Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The shock of Jarryd Hayne’s ambitious move to NFL has been the only Rugby League talking point over the past few weeks (aside from a great piece I read on Foxsports about what NRL players get up to in the off-season – it’s mainly partying in Vegas and Cancu by the way), but all that’s about to change with the start of the Four Nations on Saturday night.

All four teams are in action when the tournament kicks off with a double header in Brisbane. Teams include: the dominant but injury hit Australians, the forever bridesmaid Kiwi’s, the warm beer preferring English, and Samoa – who we’ll see if they can fight as well on the rugby field as they can in nightclubs.

The Four Nations tournament probably sits below the World Cup in terms of importance to Rugby League and this year has seen a number of NRL clubs withdraw players who they feel are fatigued or at risk of further injury during the tournament. The withdrawals prove that the financial rewards of representing your country in a one-off tournament are far inferior to the riches of the NRL salary cap, which may see an increase in club v country tensions in future years.

The tournament won’t be without stars though, as the remaining cream of the Rugby League crop contribute to an intriguing spectacle.

The Teams (As They Line Up For Week 1)

Australia: 1. Greg Inglis, 2. Josh Mansour, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Dylan Walker, 5. Daniel Tupou, 6. Daly Cherry-Evans, 7. Cooper Cronk, 8. Aaron Woods, 9. Cameron Smith (c), 10. Sam Thaiday, 11. Beau Scott, 12. Ryan Hoffman, 13. Greg Bird.

Interchange: 14. Robbie Farah, 15. Aidan Guerra, 16. Josh Papalii, 17. Corey Parker, 18. Boyd Cordner, 19. David Klemmer, 20. Sione Mata’utia (three to be omitted).

Australia have an entire team injured in Thurston, Morris, Slater, Boyd, Scott, Tamou, Justin Hodges. Yet, in naming 11 debutants in their squad, they still appear to be the strongest team on paper. Australia has not lost a Test since the 2010 Four Nations final. It will take a monumental effort from the other three to get close, but the Four Nations opener at Suncorp is probably the best chance.

New Zealand: 1-Peta Hiku, 2-Jason Nightingale, 3-Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 4-Dean Whare, 5-Gerard Beale, 6-Kieran Foran, 7-Shaun Johnson, 8-Jesse Bromwich, 9-Thomas Leuluai, 10-Adam Blair, 11-Simon Mannering (captain), 12-Kevin Proctor, 13-Jason Taumalolo

Interchange: 14-Lewis Brown, 15-Greg Eastwood, 16-Martin Taupau, 17-Tohu Harris, 18-Suaia Matagi (one to be omitted).

Injuries have also hampered NZ’s build up. Waerea-Hargreaves, Moa, Matulino, Hurrell, Tuivasa-Sheck and McKendry have all been scratched, and Issac Luke is still suspended. The Kiwis haven’t beaten Australia in their last eight match-ups so will need to rely heavily on Jesse Bromwich and Jason Taumalolo to challenge the Australian forwards and go some way to reverse the recent trend. The interchange made up of only forwards suggests NZ would prefer the game to be played in the middle of the park and clearly see their strength in and around the ruck which is curious with Issac Luke’s absence.

England: 1. Sam Tomkins, 2. Josh Charnley, 3. Kallum Watkins, 4. Michael Shenton, 5. Ryan Hall, 6. Gareth Widdop, 7. Matty Smith, 8. George Burgess, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. James Graham (c), 11. Liam Farrell, 12. Joel Tomkins, 13. Joe Westerman.

Interchange: 14. Darryl Clark, 15. Brett Ferres, 16. Tom Burgess, 17. Chris Hill.

James Graham had a taste of captaincy in the NRL final and now gets to lead his countryman into an exciting battle against Samoa first up. Regular captain Sean O’Loughlin may return at some point during the Four Nations, but until then Graham and a host of other NRL stars are tasked with putting the loss of Sam Burgess to rugby at the back of Rugby League fan’s minds. NRL regulars including Sam Tomkins, The Burgess Twins, and Gareth Widdop are all included in a team that could upset weakened opponents in the Four Nations. They’ll need to see off the spirited Samoa side first that is equally packed with NRL talent.

Samoa: 1.Tim Simona 2. Antonio Winterstein 3. Ricky Leutele 4. Joey Leilua 5. Daniel Vidot 6. Ben Roberts 7. Kyle Stanley 8. Sam Tagaetese 9. Michael Sio 10. David Fa’alogo 11. Frank Pritchard 12. Leeson Ah Mau 13. Josh McGuire

Interchange: 14. Pita Godinet 15. Jesse Sene-Lefao 16. Isaac Liu 17. Mose Masoe 18. Dunamis Lui.

NRL fans will recognise most of the names in the Samoan squad. The powerhouse island nation will have plenty of support as the overwhelming underdogs, however they have given themselves the worst possible preparation thanks to a late night brawl culminating in the loss of three key players. The main concern for the talented side will ne in the halves. Ben Roberts and Kyle Stanley are polarising players who can influence games but can also produce errors. The loss of Tim Lafai is a bitter blow.

The Format

The Four Nations will run over four weeks. Each team will play each other once in the pool rounds with the top two nations contesting the final at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on November the 15th.

The Predictions

Winner – Australia – $1.35 – Luxbet

Outside Pick – Samoa v England Round 1 – Samoa $5 – Topbetta

To Score a Try Round 1 – NZ v Aus – Jason Taumalolo – $6 – Unibet

Top Tryscorer Four Nations – Josh Mansour $6.5 – bet365