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This years Four-Nations promises to be the best held in the Southern Hemisphere. Well, let’s put it out there and say ever.
With the double header and the new Eden Park, Papua New Guinea on the international scene to show their stuff against the best – also reminding the NRL that they are around for admission into the comp – and with the Poms and Kiwis confident they can knock Australia off the perch for the first time since 2005, there is plenty to look forward to.
England made the final of last year’s Four Nations, in front of the home fans at Leeds, and they almost pulled off a famous victory, but the Kangaroos once again fought back to run away with the win.
The English are one win away from not being scared anymore of the Australians. When they meet at AAMI Park, it could be the match where the penny finally drops and England, much like their cricketers, realise the Australians are beatable.
Two of England’s best players are out here in the NRL showing these English actually do have some good players.
New Zealand no longer fear Australia – it took the 2005 Tri-Nations when the Kiwis smashed a Wayne Bennett coached Aussies 24-0 to finally break the duck.
In 2006, and what is still to this day a classic Australia versus New Zealand sporting contest, the Tri-Nations final went into extra-time when the scores were locked at 12 all after 80 minutes.
It took the Queensland duo of Thurston and Lockyer to save Australia on that night.
The biggest boil over of all was the World Cup final of 2008 when New Zealand won in the centenary of Rugby League.
The Kumuls coach Adrian Lam has already given away their game plan: ‘We are going to have fun and showcase our talent.” We probably don’t expect a win from PNG, but they will give the crowds some great entertainment here and across the ditch.
This year’s Four Nations is open, and there will be thrills, spills and controversy.
I, for one, cant wait for it.
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