Following a blockbuster start last week, excitement levels are high for the next round of rugby league matches in the Pacific Championships. This week, two new teams enter the competition and are out to make a statement with strong performances. Those who are backing up from last week will be wary though and will benefit from playing last week. This sets the stage for an exhilarating weekend of Pasifika rugby league, and we have you covered with our tips for Week 2 below!
Pacific Championships – Week 2 Preview & Betting Tips
PNG Kumuls vs Cook Islands Aitu
The Kumuls take the field in their national stadium this week against a Cook Islands team who was comprehensively defeated by Fiji last week. They have primed themselves for this contest while their opponents will want to bounce back from their performance last week. Unfortunately for them, the PNG team is appearing stronger. Attack wasn’t their issue last week; rather, it was their defence which let them down. They continually gave their opponents attacking opportunities and showed little resistance defensively. The same pattern of play is expected here. The PNG team boasts plenty of talented attacking players. If they can build on their platform their large forwards should set, they are going to only ensure their execution is to a high standard to grab the victory. Finding value – which is also safe – is proving to be the hardest challenge. The line is set far too high for a team making its first start so go the safer option of a margin victory and increase your stake.
PNG Kumuls vs Cook Islands Aitu Same Game Multi
Johnston 2 tries and Laybutt to score: $5.00 at Ladbrokes (0.5 units) = Both will be key for their team’s chances on the edges. Johnston has a history of performing well in these colours and Laybutt had a strong year to the Cowboys, and he will only get better in these conditions.
Fiji vs Cook Islands Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday 25th October
Location: Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
Time: 4pm (AEDT)
Odds: PNG $1.11 vs Cook Islands $6.25
Line: -19.5
Points: 52.5
Tonga XIII vs Toa Samoa
It’s one of the most anticipated games in recent memory and it is sure to break plenty of records as Tonga face off against Samoa. The passion which each team has will be evident from the opening moments of this contest and it is a must watch evident. Samoa will be desperate to bounce back from their loss last week to New Zealand. Despite fighting their way back from a deficit, they were unable to close out the contest when it mattered most. They will be desperate to turn that result around here and have a team which can do that. Tonga head into this game as outsiders and that is surprising given the strong team they have named. Aside from the powerful forwards and dynamic outside backs, they have two key halves in Iongi and Katoa. Both have proven themselves this season in the NRL and will manage the game perfectly for their team. They are the major difference heading into this game and what they offered cannot be replicated by the Samoan’s. It will be a tight contest from start to finish though and that means anything above a victory by 2 converted tries should be avoided.
Tonga 1-12
$3.90 (1.5 Units)
Tonga vs Samoa Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Sunday 26th October
Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Time: 4:05pm (AEDT)
Odds: Tonga $1.96 vs Samoa $1.83
Line: +1.5
Points: 46.5
