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.
george sikai
Guest
you guys should have seen how the local png boys smashed their other brothers from Pacific islands to qualify for four nations...these boys played for pride and passion and not for money...Go the kumuls!!!!
The all new King of the Gorganites
Guest
No. When the tournament is in the South the 4th team will be PI team. WHen the tournament is in the Norht the 4th team will be European.
jimbo
Roar Guru
Folau is going to play for Tonga isn't he? Or is it Samoa? His last game before Aussie Rules.
jimbo
Roar Guru
Has PNG overtaken France as the 4th best?
Springs
Roar Guru
Cook Islands played last year and made it to the Final king.
The all new King of the Gorganites
Guest
agree. thats is very ordinary. they should have played it, but with some other PI team - such as cook islands. at the end of the day though, such tournaments are very expensive. Rugby holds a pacific island comp, but that is funded by the IRB which pours millions each year into PI rugby. The ARU could no longer afford to compete in it so had to pull out.
M1tch
Roar Guru
True, how good at test matches when they are held at mt smart, extra seating and they pull nearly 30k Every year at suncorp is getting a bit dull, time to share it and I dare say take it to SFS again haha
M1tch
Roar Guru
The Poms really rate Widdop, McNamara is looking towards 2013 world cup so I def expect to see Widdop there, but I think fullback (at this stage) is where he'd play. bwt is should be myler..richie myler the wolves number 7
bazza
Guest
They failed to qualify
danwighton
Guest
Widdop might make a late run for it - he's likely to be Storm 5/8 when FInch leaves and will probably play a bit of second receiver this year (I have a feeling that he is a little unlikely to unseat the Storm's current fullback, especially when Greg Inglis was unable to do so a few years back).
danwighton
Guest
I know there was all the talk this year that NZ hasnt had a home Anzac test since the late nineties (which, ironically, was the last any only time they won the game). The reason is that they dont have the corporate facilities etc, and the NZRL makes more money if the test is held in Australia - which to me seems like a short sighted approach especially as the game is held before the All Blacks season starts and it would be a good way to build support for the national team. I think it is being held in NZ next year though.
Springs
Roar Guru
Im pretty sure there is a double header involvig England vs NZ Maori, and New Zealand vs Samoa, also there is a Tonga vs Samoa game as a curtain raiser to the Australia vs PNG game at Parramatta.
M1tch
Roar Guru
Their halves will be interesting too, Id expect with Wigan going so well Sam Tomkins will be the 5/8, they have eastmond and dyler as number 7 options
M1tch
Roar Guru
There are a couple of double headers involving the nz maori But with PNG in 4 nations they are not playing the Pacific cup this year, which I think is pretty ordinary
The all new King of the Gorganites
Guest
Australia v England final. PNG to surprise and finish 3rd above the Kiwis. Mitch, whats the go with the other PI teams? are they playing curtain raisers etc? it woudl be good to see a 2nd division type comp.
M1tch
Roar Guru
All games in NZ will be interesting for them, the double header at Eden Park will be massive occasion for League in NZ
oikee
Guest
England will be good up front, i am just wondering if they can get a decent back-line going. Its a shame big Keith Senior is coming to the end. He is the best they have at the moment. Once they find some good outside backs, hopefully with-in 2 years, they should go well in the next world cup. PNG are the team i think might find it hard. but then again, they do well against the prime ministers 13. PNG should aim to win at least 1 game. That would be a major success for them at this level. Should be a good 4 nations, looking at the Kiwis, i think maybe they might be to strong. They have talent to burn now.
Springs
Roar Guru
If New Zealand have a full strength team then they are in with a huge chance. The last two times they have played Australia they had about half their team out through injury yet still came up with a draw and a narrow loss. England have a great forward pack and good halves but their outside backs are lacking. At the moment they are using a reserve grade fullback. And their first tournament under McNamara migt be a learning curve.
apaway
Guest
I really hope the Kumuls play the way Adrian Lam has hinted. A game vs NZ with Benji on fire would be a belter. This article should also serve as a reminder to all the pundits that call State of Origin "The Best Of The Best." That simply can't be so while New Zealand are reigning world champions.
M1tch
Roar Guru
First comment, woo haha Wonder if the final was ever thought of to held in NZ