The NRL and Super League seasons are about to come to a close but in 2014 rugby league is far from over.
The 2014 Four Nations tournament kicks off on Saturday 25th October with a double header – England v Samoa followed by Australia v New Zealand.
For those fans who thrive on expanding their bubble, this Four Nations tournament has the potential to be the most unpredictable to date.
Last year’s World Cup revealed a resurgent England whose courageous performance in the semi-final reminded everyone of the energy – and skill – that exists in the Test arena. Add to this the ever present mercurial threat of New Zealand who, despite a couple of Tri and Four Nations victories under their belt, fielded a team of nobodies earlier this year and legitimately challenged the Kangaroos.
The message ought to be clear – international league is legitimate.
But what about Samoa, the fourth team competing in this year’s tournament?
In last year’s World Cup, Samoa rightfully threatened New Zealand and thumped both Papua New Guinea and France to advance past the group stags before eventually losing out to Fiji in the quarter finals.
Samoa earned the right to compete in the 2014 Four Nations by winning the Pacific Test earlier in the year. That match saw the Samoans exact revenge on Fiji for their World Cup defeat with a stirring come from behind victory.
Even the most cynical of few rugby league fans would at least admit to the possibility of either England or New Zealand winning the trophy. Very few, however, would allow Samoa that option.
Do the Samoans have a chance?
It’s best to let the Samoans answer that. What they do on the field is up to them.
They are there though and that is a good thing.
ula.paka.leota_is_amazing
Guest
GO SAMOA!!!;)
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Having a regular, meaningful test series can on,y be a plus for the second tier nations. If they play such a series as a curtain raiser for State of Origin or Big Three internationals, surely up to $10,000 per match is not out of the question for these players? With an incentive like that, it would surely go a long way to ensuring that second tier nations have a viable playing career option outside of what currently (doesn't) exists.
Kris
Guest
I think Samoa have a chance of beating England only, unfortunely they'll get beaten heavily by the Kiwis and absolutely slaughtered by the Roos. I really hope im wrong about the latter two but there is more of a chance that ill be right. Anyway, good luck Samoa. You will be my second team in the four nations after Aus, it'd be great for them to get a win.
Kris
Guest
The poms will get lapped by the Kangaroos, as they usually do.
mark Elia
Roar Rookie
Great Idea! Samoan players need the Origin match atmosphere experience to compliment their physical attributes.Then maybe they can compete more evenly with Aus/NZ/Poms Teams consistently?
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
That's only $10,000 difference despite all of the intense media hype that Origin generates. For anyone to say that internationals don't have a future because Origin is the pinnacle or nobody cares about international has fallen for the promotional hype. As for the ANZAC Test, I think it may have a future if you can somehow integrate another international as a part of a double header. Imagine Samoa v Tonga or dare I say, France v Fiji (or even the USA) as a prelude to it. What a great advertisement for the game that would be.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
3 origin games, and at times in recent years, maybe 2 matches for the Kangaroos (the ANZAC and end of year games with NZ).
Kelefua
Guest
I think Toa Samoa best chance to win a game will be against the kiwis in Whangarei. I think the Kiwis will be rattled a little especially Shaun Johnson. It all depends who's left after the Kiwis and Kangaroos name their squad. Anyway here's my pick from who's available. 1. Antonio Wnterstein 2. Daniel Vidot 3. Steve Matai 4. BJ Leilua 5. Tim Lafai (Moved to wing 6. Ben Roberts 7. Anthony Miford 8. Junior Paulo 9. Pita Godinet 10. Suaia Matagi 11. Leehson Ah Mau 12. Sia Soliola 13. Sauaso Sue 14. Penani Manuamealili 15. Mose Masoe 16. Sam Tagataese 17. Reni Maitua 18. Tim Simona 19. Carlos Tuimavave 20. David Fa'alogo 21. Harrison Hansen 22. Roy Asotasi 23. Isaac Liu 24. Kyle stanley
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
If you had Pacific Island nations playing test matches as curtain raisers for each State of Origin match, then that would be three test matches every year. Surely a funding arrangement for these matches could be organised along side that of the main matches...
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I'd read somewhere that Australian test players receive $40,000 per match. State of Origin players receive $30,000. If true then talk about Origin being the pinnacle is media fed nonsense.
Tk
Guest
England could be samoas closest game. but they wont win any game due to not playing enough at the level England, Australia and New Zealand play at. Its taken England a few years to catch up and though they havent each year since Mcnamara has come in they have been getting closer and closer, and thats the process they have to go through. Most of samoa players would shine in the super league but average in the Nrl. Except for Milford, tuivasa - sheck etc. but they play for other countries. So Samoa chances are about 10% each Nz, Eng and Aus will take 30%
dayer
Guest
The Poms will win
Alvin Purple
Guest
Probably both right in the sense SOO is considered the pinnacle of the sport (which is sad) and obviously the pay is better.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Not sure that it means more so much as pays better.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
I agree with you. The problem is State of Origin means more.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
The international game would be a heck of a lot more interesting if the kangaroos (and kiwis) didn't pinch all the eligible players from the other nations.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I don't mind it. There shouldn't be changing between Aus, NZ and Eng but if players have dual eligibility it's only good for the international game to have them available for their alternate nation. Samoa would have very few players available to them but for this rule and would have no chance of competing in a tournament like this.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I haven't forgotten them. Very few of those guys have actually been named in the Samoan train on squad. I was assuming injuries. Full squad is named tomorrow.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
To me, they have to make the choice, no changing countries because they miss out on the national side for one so try for the other country. Shades of English cricket.
chris n
Guest
True sione matautia has been named in the aussie squad and leilua was 18th man for nsw so are they allowed to represent Samoa