International rugby league is back in 2024 with a tri-series featuring 6 teams, split into two tiers. The next month will see 8 games played across the pacific region with the aim of continuing to grow the international game. This form of the game is always crucial to its strength and growth; the resurgence in recent years has seen an increase in both interest and quality. It also means another opportunity for punters to win some money across an already packed weekend of exciting sporting action. Before You Bet is here to guide you through with a comprehensive preview of the matches ahead.
Pacific Championships Week 1 Betting Tips
Australia vs Tonga
Suncorp Stadium – Friday 18th October – 8:10pm (AEDT)
It is a new-look Australian outfit this season as coach Meniga covers players who are unavailable for selection. Usually taken from Origin, there are a host of absent players which would’ve made this squad stronger. The positive factors are that the players selected have been chosen on form, improving the competitiveness for positions within this team.
Tonga have grown in strength since they hit the scene several years ago and scored a few key victories. While their form recently hasn’t been given much attention, they will relish the opportunity to prove a point against the Kangaroo’s. The quality they have within their team doesn’t appear to match-up against the Australian’s, but passion and pride in the jersey cannot be measured. There is no doubt that they will sense and opportunity to make a statement; with several players in their squad also in form, the stage is set for an exciting contest.
The Kangaroos are strong favourites for this game ($1.17 vs $5) with little to disagree with this assessment. Despite missing a host of quality players, they have named a strong team which features players who dominated in the Origin arena. You only must look as far as Edwards, Lomax, Dearden, Grant, Crichton and Murray for this. It is a fast and mobile team; there is an indication that Meniga would like his team to work over the bigger Tongan team and pile on the points towards the back end of the game. Tonga’s strength lies in power, both in the middle and on the edges. They will not be short on attacking opportunities, but the defensive line of the Australian’s should be strong enough to hold firm. With experienced limited, their options may be reduced should this not work. This means that the line (16.5) is in danger.
The Kangaroos need no incentive to perform well; many questions about the importance of the international game (and the green and gold jumper) have left many seething behind the scenes. Unfortunately for Tonga, they look set to be on the receiving end of some frustration and anger. They will be competitive early; they have experienced players that also have a point to prove. Doubt lingers as to whether this can be maintained over 80 minutes and as such, the home side should be able to comfortably account for the line.
Australia -16.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
The first option needs no explanation. Crichton was at his dynamic, try scoring best this season and has become a threat both running the ball (or a strong line) and chasing a kick. This has added another dimension to his game. It has been a long wait for Trbojevic to feature again at international level. While his chances were also limited in 2024, there is no doubting his talent. Expect a bold showing from a player with a point to prove.
Australia 13+
Crichton and Trbojevic to Score
SGM Odds: $6 at Ladbrokes (0.5 Units)
Fiji vs PNG
HFC Bank Stadium – Saturday 19th October – 7:10pm (AEDT)
The second match of the weekend heads across to Fiji as they host the Kumul’s. Much like other pacific nations, the program in Fiji has grown in strength over the years. You only must look at their team to see the number of NRL players who have committed to play for them. PNG are similar but are still missing consistent quality to make them competitive at this level. This is why the home side are listed as favourites ($1.54 vs $2.50); the naming of players like Turuva, Sivo, Kamikamica and Kikau adds a level of quality to their team. While the absence of a genuine playmaker exists within their side, they are still the stronger of the two teams. The PNG side has potential, but the power of the home side should be too strong in the middle. Once they generate momentum, expect their exciting outside backs to gain confidence and build off a strong platform. If things go to plan, they could go close to replicating their 43-16 victory against PNG from October last year.
Fiji -4.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
