Arguably the most compelling match of the opening weekend takes place in Suva with the Bati hosting the Kumuls of Papua New Guinea and the outsiders look an excellent bet.
Best Bet
This very much looks a collection of stars against a genuine team and very happy to side with the team in this one.
There is no doubt Fiji have named a vastly more experienced and well-known team with the likes of Viliame Kikau, Maika Sivo, Tui Kamikamica, Michael Jennings and Sunia Turuva in the team. There are question marks everywhere though from coaching to the spine to recent form.
The Bati are rolling with local Wise Kativerata as the head coach and he has made the dubious call to bring in Jarryd Hayne to coach. He is 2-2 as head coach but most recently led the team to a very poor 32-12 loss to the Kumuls.
While Turuva is a very good fullback selection, Kevin Naiqama is a long way past his best and was never a half while Kurt Donoghue is most certainly no playmaker and Penioni Tagituimua a fringe NSW Cup player.
Since 2022, Fiji are 1-5 against Tier 1 Nations/PNG.
The Kumuls have a much better setup for success with Jason Demetriou as head coach and a much more steady lineup. Lachlan Lam ad Kyle Laybutt have long been a reliable halves pairing, the outside backs are strong and Jack De Belin and Rhyse Martin lead a fearsome pack. Judah Rimbu takes over at hooker for the injured Edwin Ipape.
PNG have a better pack, a better bench, a strong halves pairing and a backline that can compete with the Fiji stars.
Chips in the Kumuls.
Same Game Multi
Robert Derby has three tries in four Tests for PNG and scored seven in eight games during his injury-hampered Queensland Cup campaign.
Elijah Roltinga was outstanding in his Queensland Cup debut season with nine tries in 15 games, crossing in eight of his last 10 for the Hunters.
Value Bet
Veteran Rhyse Martin skippers the PNG team and looks a lovely bet to get over at very big odds. Martin has scored five tries in 16 appearances for the Kumuls and has been a double-digit tryscorer for three straight seasons at Leeds.
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