Four Nations – Australia vs England Preview
Overview
It’s not often Australia heads into the game off the back of a loss and it’s not often England head into game off the back of a win. With the roles reversed both teams might be feeling a tad uncomfortable about who does what and what goes where. Once they settle in though we should be in for a cracker of a match where England have a golden opportunity to grab their first win over Australia since the 1960s.
Australia are fielding an almost third string line-up with several players set to join the ‘played for Australia and never played origin’ club. Favourites to enter this club are David Klemmer and Josh Mansour. England on the other hand have a team brimming with NRL experience and some of the best players in the game in their respective positions. The fact not all the Burgess’ / Burgi couldn’t crack the team shows the strength of the Poms.
Players to watch
Sione Mata’utia – The young knight will become the youngest ever player to debut for the Kangaroos and league fans can be excused for not knowing who the fusitua he is after only playing 7 NRL games this season. But with the Roos injury list resembling a whos who of rugby league it is a no-name who gets his chance to shine… or choke.
George Burgess – With brother Sam now watching videos of collapsed mauls and re-set scrums, George has inherited the title of the best league player in the family. When he’s not jumping on cars or sending nude selfies, George is one the most destructive ball runners in the game. Look for him to send the weakened Aussie pack flying like Ten Pins at the local Yorkshire bowling club.
Result and score prediction
This is the Poms best opportunity ever to grab a rare win against the Kangaroos. They will be pumped for the occasion, but lets hope not as pumped up as the meathead who dropped Lance Hoihaia in the Super League GF a few weeks back. The inexperience of the Roos might show through here and cost them dearly if the match comes down to the wire. With that in mind we here at NNRL are predicting an English Victory and another abusive Paul Gallen blow-up on twitter. Poms to win 24-16.
Most likely to bring back the biff
James Graham is a niggly player who really pushes the boundaries and we think Greg Bird may find his feathers ruffled and respond accordingly. Angry Bird may snap here and whack Ed Sheeran.
Most likely to have his best game in the green and gold
On his debut he had an absolute shocker so surely the only way is up for Dylan Walker. If he bombs out again he won’t be playing next week.