After a one-year delay, the 2021 Rugby League World Cup finally gets underway this weekend with all eyes on the heavyweight contest between England and Samoa which gets the tournament off and running in Newcastle on Saturday.
But that’s not the only fascinating contest, with plenty more to keep an eye on between now and Wednesday.
ENGLAND v SAMOA (Saturday 2:30, St James’ Park, Newcastle)
Betfred odds: England 5/4, Samoa 4/6, draw 20/1
Handicap betting: England (+3.5) 10/11, Samoa (-3.5) 5/6
TV: Live on BBC One
The hosts have a difficult start to the tournament and must start fast if they are to soften their route through the knockouts. They have skipper Sam Tomkins available after an injury doubt, while Samoa coach Matt Parish has played down his side’s position as bookies’ favourites for the opener.
AUSTRALIA v FIJI (Saturday 7:30, Headingley, Leeds)
Betfred odds: Australia 1/80, Fiji 16/1, draw 22/1
Handicap betting: Australia (-39.5) 5/6, Fiji (+39.5) 10/11
TV: Live on BBC Two
The runaway favourites and perennial champions have recent form in putting Fiji to the sword, having put 50 points on them in the semi-final stage at the last three World Cups. The value bet will be in judging just how handily the Kangaroos win, with a 46 to 50-point win available at 11/2.
Details: #RLWC2021
SCOTLAND v ITALY (Sunday 2:30, Kingston Park, Newcastle)
Betfred odds: Scotland 2/9, Italy 10/3, draw 22/1
Handicap betting: Scotland (-11.5) 4/5, Italy (+11.5) 20/21
TV: Live on BBC Two
Scotland head to Newcastle wanting to go one better than their near-miss with the quarter-finals last time out. First up they face an Azzurri side with far fewer star names than in recent World Cups. The likes of Euan Aitken and Matty Russell could have a big say in this one for Nathan Graham’s men.
JAMAICA v IRELAND (Sunday 5:00, Headingley, Leeds)
Betfred odds: Jamaica 16/1, Ireland 1/200, draw 28/1
Handicap betting: Jamaica (+33.5) 10/11, Ireland (-33.5) 5/6
TV: Live on BBC Two
Jamaica are most people’s outsiders in the competition, with a squad largely coming from the British lower leagues being put together for their first participation in tournament history. First up they face an Ireland squad packed almost entirely with Super League and NRL talent. The smart money is on a healthy Ireland win.
NEW ZEALAND v LEBANON (Sunday 7:30, Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington)
Betfred odds: New Zealand N/A, Lebanon 18/1, draw 25/1
Handicap betting: New Zealand (-41.5) 5/6, Lebanon (+41.5) 10/11
TV: Live on BBC Red Button and iPlayer
The 2008 champions’ entire 24-player squad is supplied by NRL clubs, and a run to the semi-finals at least is on the cards again. They should have no trouble dealing with Lebanon, despite the presence of well-known talent such as Mitchell Moses and Josh Mansour in Michael Cheika’s side.
FRANCE v GREECE (Monday 7:30, Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster)
Betfred odds: France 1/20, Greece 9/1, draw 25/1
Handicap betting: France (-23.5) 4/5, Greece (+23.5) 20/21
TV: Live on BBC Red Button and iPlayer
France will be expected to make short work of a Greece side making their first appearance at the Rugby League World Cup, but Les Bleus’ performance will be the key takeaway from their opening fixture ahead of a crunch clash with hosts England in their second Group A match. The Greeks’ first objective will be to keep scorelines respectable.
TONGA v PAPUA NEW GUINEA (Tuesday 7:30, Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens)
Betfred odds: Tonga 1/33, Papua New Guinea 11/1, draw 28/1
Handicap betting: Tonga (-27.5) 10/11, Papua New Guinea (+27.5) 5/6
TV: Live on BBC Three
This will be our first look at the 2022 iteration of a Tonga side which has had the rugby league world talking over the last six years. Led by Jason Taumalolo, the sheer scope of their playing squad is frightening for anyone standing in their way, and while Papua New Guinea should have enough to get out of Group D they are heavy underdogs for Tuesday’s contest.
WALES v COOK ISLANDS (Wednesday 7:30, Leigh Sports Village, Leigh)
Betfred odds: Wales 5/1, Cook Islands 2/5, draw 22/1
Handicap betting: Wales (+17.5) 10/11, Cook Islands (-17.5) 5/6
TV: Live on BBC Two
Wales made the semi-finals of this competition in 2000 and had Australia on the ropes, but this is a very different looking side. Only Rhys Williams and Kyle Evans played top-tier senior rugby league in 2022, while Tony Iro’s Cook Islands squad boasts a number of household names. A Wales win in Leigh would be a major upset.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject to Change
