Fiji v PNG rugby league betting tips – Pacific Championships 2023

Fiji v PNG Pacific Bowl best bets

Pacific Bowl Final 2023 match preview

This Sunday afternoon, Fiji take on Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby for the second week in a row as the two teams square off in the inaugural Pacific Bowl Final.

After a shaky start to the Pacific Championships against the Cook Islands, the Bati responded in brutal fashion last weekend as they beat the Kumuls 43-16. Doubles from Maika Sivo and Kurt Donoghoe led the way, while Wests Tigers youngster Jahream Bula was dangerous every time he touched the ball.

Penrith Panthers rookie Sunia Turuva is expected to miss once again for Fiji despite being named, meaning Mikaele Ravalawa will shift into the centres to accomodate Jason Qareqare on the wing. There are also plenty of changes on the bench as Kitione Kautoga, Watisoni Nailagoliva and Sirilo Lovokuvo come into the side.

Following their disappointing effort last weekend, the Kumuls have made a couple of changes. Rodrick Tai replaces Benji Kot in the centres after returning from a knee injury, while Liam Horne, Junior Rop and Nixon Putt all come onto the bench.

Fiji v Papua New Guineas betting predictions

Coming in as major underdogs last week, the Fijians exceeded almost every expectation during their comfortable win. As such, the odds have flipped, with Papua New Guinea now starting as the outsiders.

After such a disappointing effort, PNG are bound to improve, but reversing such a clear margin in just a week may be too much of an ask. Back the Fijians to win again this weekend as -142.86 favourites with Neds.

Fijian fullback Jahream Bula is just two matches into his international career, but he is already at the heart of every attack for his team. A running machine, look for Bula to create his own opportunities from anywhere around the ground. At +155 with rugby league bookmakers, he is an excellent anytime tryscorer play.

If the Kumuls are going to turn their fortunes around, NRL tryscoring machine Alex Johnston will have to play a major part. Traditionally a winger, the South Sydney Rabbitohs star has shown he has the ability to play fullback on the international stage. Look for Johnston as an anytime tryscorer at +140 with top rugby league betting sites.

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