Fiji Bati v PNG Kumuls tips & predictions | Pacific Bowl 2024
| Fiji v Papua New Guinea Pacific Championships 2024 Odds & Game Info | |
|---|---|
| Best odds | Fiji -192.31 at Bet365 | PNG +160 at Neds |
| When | Saturday, October 19 | 8:10pm FJT (7:10pm AEDT) |
| Where | HFC Bank Stadium, Suva |
| Watch live | Nine, Fox Sports, Kayo |
Fiji Bati v PNG Kumuls best bets
Fiji -5.5
Sunia Turuva anytime tryscorer
Rhyse Martin anytime tryscorer
Fiji v Papua New Guinea match preview
Papua New Guinea will be looking to beat Fiji for the second time in a row when they clash in the 2024 Pacific Championships on Saturday night in Suva.
Despite winning 10 of their 15 clashes with Fiji, the Kumuls are $2.60 outsiders with top online bookies. The Bati have shown serious improvement to win in two of their last five appearances, leading punters to back them into $1.52 for this Pacific Bowl matchup.
These two nations last met in Port Moresby in October 2023, when the home side secured a 20-point win thanks to a double from Robert Derby and a perfect goalkicking display from Rhyse Martin.
Fiji Bati coach Waisake Kativerata has made multiple changes to his side since then, naming Sunia Turuva at fullback, Maika Sivo and Semi Valemei on the wings, Michael Jennings in the centres, Kevin Naiqama at five-eighth, and Kurt Donoghue at halfback.
Ben Nakubuwai will start in the front row, with Viliame Kikau and Kitione Kautaoga in the second row. Joe Lovodua, Taane Milne, Kylan Matoa and Jordan Miller will all come off the bench.
PNG Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou has also made several changes, naming Nene Macdonald at fullback to replace the injured Alex Johnston (Achilles). Elijah Roltinga will start on the wing, with Robert Mathias and Roderick Tai in the centres.
Up front, Judah Rimbu will line up at hooker, with Gold Coast Titan Jacob Alick-Wiencke in the front row. Jeremiah Simbiken will make his international debut in the second row, with Koso Bandi, Sylvester Namo and Ila Alu named on the interchange.
Fiji v PNG teams – Pacific Championships 2024
Fiji
- Sunia Turuva
- Maika Sivo
- Michael Jennings
- Waqa Blake
- Semi Valemei
- Kevin Naiqama
- Kurt Donoghoe
- Tui Kamikamica
- Penioni Tagituimua
- Ben Nakubuwai
- Viliame Kikau
- Kitione Kautoga
- Caleb Navale
- Joe Lovodua
- Taane Milne
- Kylan Mafoa
- Jordan Miller
- James Valevatu
- Ronald Philitoga
- Nathan Kegg-King
- Ratu Rinakama
Papua New Guinea
- Nene Macdonald
- Elijah Roltinga
- Robert Mathias
- Rodrick Tai
- Robert Derby
- Kyle Laybutt
- Lachlan Lam
- Valentine Richard
- Judah Rimbu
- Jacob Alick-Wiencke
- Rhyse Martin
- Jeremiah Simbiken
- Jack De Belin
- Liam Horne
- Koso Bandi
- Sylvester Namo
- Ila Alu
- Dan Russell
- Sanny Wabo
- Morea Morea
Fiji Bati v PNG Kumuls betting strategy
Fiji will be playing their first Test at home since 2000, when they beat Tonga by four points. Given their sharp improvement on the field in recent years, coupled with the boost they will receive from playing in front of their home fans, the Bati should be able to cover the line and win by more than 5.5 points at $1.90 with rugby league bookmakers.
The last time Sunia Turuva lined up for the Bati in an international clash, he started in the centres and recorded five tackle breaks and a line break before scoring the game-winning try. At fullback he will have more opportunity with ball in hand to affect the match, which creates great value in the $2.20 quote for him to get over the line.
Kumuls captain Rhyse Martin has been a prolific tryscorer in recent years for Leeds in the English Super League, and he’s scored nine tries in 25 matches for his nation. Expect the second-rower to perform strongly with an experienced halves combination behind him. At $3.80 with BetOnline, Martin offers great odds to add to his international try tally.
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