NZ vs Lebanon RLWC predictions & best bets – October 17, 2022

Round one of the 2022 Rugby League World Cup will continue Monday morning with the New Zealand Kiwis taking on the Lebanon Cedars at Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington.

The Kiwis will be looking to win their second World Cup having beaten a star-studded Australian team in 2008 in Brisbane, Australia. Lebanon will be looking to win their first World Cup game, and while they have some NRL talent in their side, there’s little expectation they will.

The Kiwis will be looking to name a very similar side to the one who beat the Leeds Rhinos 74-0; however, the addition of Jahrome Hughes to the starting halfback position could be one change. In the halfback spot for Lebanon will be captain Mitchell Moses with the support of Jacob Kiraz and Adam Doueihi in the spine.

The Kiwis are second favourites to win the World Cup for very good reason – they are arguably the best side on paper coming into this World Cup. After their performance against the Rhinos, the Kiwis will be looking to build into a side that is capable of beating nations such as Australia and Tonga. The Kiwis should win this comfortably by 30+ points at $1.42 with BetOnline.

Kenny Bromwich and Sebastian Kris will be playing on the left edge with experienced half Kieran Foran, who will be plotting how to get both Bromwich and Kris across the try line. Be it off a kick chase, strong runs, or through their skilful footwork, Bromwich and Kris should certainly be scoring.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona will be another man the Cedars need to contain if they are to have any hope of winning. Asofa-Solomona showed at the back end of 2022 NRL season that he can play as a back-rower as well as in the front row. The Melbourne Storm star’s incredibly strong ball running and footwork at the line will be something the Cedars struggle to handle.

The Kiwis will be looking to make a strong statement early in the World Cup and put other nations on notice. Much as they did against the Rhinos, Michael Maguire will be pushing his side to play for the full 80 minutes and never give the Cedars a way into the match. Should the Kiwis replicate their performance against the Rhinos, they will cover the line of 41.5 points with ease.

Key matchup: Jahrome Hughes v Mitchell Moses

The clash between these two halfbacks will be one to watch given they are two of the best in their position in the world. Jahrome Hughes will be looking to use his running and passing game as much as his kicking game to put the Kiwis on the front foot, much the same as Mitchell Moses for the Cedars. Moses’ role in this Cedars side is pivotal to their success as he needs to be the man to direct the side around the park, allowing players like Doueihi to simply play ‘eyes-up footy’. The better that Moses plays, the more likely they are of making this a close match with the Kiwis.

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