Papua New Guinea were super impressive in beating Fiji two weeks back and will have few problems dispatching of a hapless Cook Islands outfit.
Best Bet
Papua New Guinea are a nation on the up and after demolishing Fiji 22-10 in their opener, they should run rampant against the Cook Islands.
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, Dan Russell and Sylvester Namo lead a fearsome pack. Judah Rimbu looks an outstanding prospect at hooker, filling in for the injured Edwin Ipape.
Cook Islands were nothing short of pathetic against Fiji last week. Despite having eight players with NRL experience, they played like a bad bush team. Effort was low. Fitness was worse.
The Kumuls have lost Rhyse Martin but are otherwise unchanged. Cook Islands are remarkably unchanged.
PNG are 7-0 all-time against Cook Islands with all wins coming by at least double digits and the three meetings in PNG all by 28 or more. These teams met at Santos National Football Stadium last year and PNG won by 36.
Chips in the Kumuls minus.
Same Game Multi
Robert Derby has four tries in five 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.
Judah Rimbu is an elite tryscoring hooker who crossed for the Kumuls against Fiji and scored 16 tries in 23 games for the Hunters this year.
Value Bet
Sylvester Namo was arguably PNG’s best against Fiji. He crossed for a try in a rampaging performance. Given how poorly the Cook Islands team tackled last week, he looks a big hope of scoring at huge odds.
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