- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
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.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.