PNG v Cook Islands betting tips & prediction | 15/10 preview
| Papua New Guinea vs Cook Islands NRL Pacific Championship 2023 Odds & Game Info | |
|---|---|
| Best odds | PNG -1250 at Neds | Cook Islands +700 at Dabble |
| When | Sunday, October 15 | 4pm AEST |
| Where | Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby |
| Watch live | Nine, 9Now, Kayo |
The first week of the Pacific Championships wraps up on Sunday as Papua New Guinea take on the Cook Islands in an exciting clash in Port Moresby.
Papua New Guinea has been installed a heavy favourite at -1250 to win, while the Cook Islands outfit is at +700, in what is promising to be a fiery clash between the traditional rugby league rivals.
Fresh off a positive performance against Australia’s PM’s XIII last month, Papua New Guinea will be looking forward to playing in front of the home crowd once again.
Gaining the services of Jack de Belin at lock, the Kumuls have plenty of NRL experience, with try scoring machine Alex Johnston playing at fullback.
With plenty of players returning from the Super League, including Lachlan Lam who will take his spot at half-back after an excellent season. Storm centre Justin Olam has been ruled out of the clash but remains in the squad as he is expected to return during the Pacific Championships.
The Cook Islands side don’t have the same level of NRL talent, but new coach Karmichael Hunt will be looking to start his tenure well with a side mostly made up of former NRL talent and upcoming talent from lower levels. Esom Ioka has been named at fullback, whilst Brad Takairangi will partner Tevin Arona in the halves. Established NRL players Zane Tetevano and Davvy Moale headline the forward pack, and youngster Kayal Iro is one to watch in the centres.
Papua New Guineas vs Cook Islands tips and betting strategy
PNG -19.5
Alex Johnston anytime try-scorer
Nene McDonald Anytime Tryscorer
Playing each other most recently at last year’s Rugby League World Cup, it was the Kumuls ran out 32-16 winners on that occasion. Traditionally strong at home, Papua New Guinea play their first test in Port Moresby since beating the Great Britain Lions in 2022.
With the Kumuls coming in as such heavy favourites, we look towards the line of -19.5 for greater value at $1.90 with top online bookmakers.
When looking for anytime try scorers, fullback Alex Johnston is the obvious bet as he regularly scores more than 20 tries a season for the Rabbitohs. Another option is winger Nene MacDonald, who has five tries in his 11 appearances for the Kumuls.
