The Four Nations thread

[88Chris05]

First topic message reminder :

So, the Four Nations is upon us. Any early opinions?

Naturally, there's an assumption amongst some groups that it will be a procession for Australia, but I'm not entirely sure. They are a side ravaged with injuries and it could be argued that their players who will be on the tour are, in general, a shade past their best in many cases.

Did anyone else see the Australia-New Zealand NRL test match earlier this year? In the end Australia ran out deserved winners, but I felt the margin of victory was a bit harsh on New Zealand, who look a much-improved side from last year's World Cup team. I thought New Zealand's forwards were more or less a match for Australia, particularly Jesse Bromwich who I believe is well placed to become the best prop in the world in the near future.

Australia just had that little bit of extra flair as a get out of jail card within their backs.....But with Slater (one player who made a massive difference that day) and Thurston (faultless with the boot) out of the tournament, I feel the Aussies could be beatable for the first time in a while.

I struggle to see England posting all that much of a threat to the title, and it’s been a year of change; Sinfield gone, Burgess having switched over to Union etc. O’Loughlin’s fitness is a concern, too, and England’s forward pack seems decidedly weaker than those of Australia and New Zealand at the moment. Still, I’m looking for Ryan Hall to further enhance his reputation as one of the best wingers out there (he’s one of the few England players who I feel would get in to any NRL side) and, if his performance in the NRL Grand Final is anything to go by, George Burgess is more than ready to step in to his older brother’s shoes as a first-choice number 8 / 10.

Hopefully there’ll be some discussions of the actual matches on this thread throughout the competition. Any Four Nations-related bits to go here, lads.

Cheers.

[Pal Joey]

Note my use of extra commas above....

[aucklandlaurie]

Now I think the lesson we should take from this is, that we get rid of the first eight months of the season, and from now on the New Zealand Rugby League season will run from mid October to Mid November.

[aucklandlaurie]

Cheers LD.

And Yes the use of commas is very important, EBOP can easily get the wrong idea.

[mystiroakey]

Well done kiwis.. Good game.

[Duty281]

Delighted to see New Zealand win.

[Guest]

Cheers LD, Mystir, Duty. It'll definitely add some anticipation for the next time we play. It'd be great if games between us were as competitive as the last couple. Sorry Laurie, but it almost flipped my universe to discover you were a butch wife of some description. I had to make sure

[88Chris05]

So, who do we have pegged for our player of the tournament? Shaun Johnson the obvious standout, and he is brilliant. Anyone else in the equation for you guys?

[Luke]

Greg Inglis was outstanding for the Aussies.

James Graham for England.

But your right Johnson was superb for the Kiwi's, and the fact he magnificent in the final probably edges it in my opinion.

Rookie of the tournament was Dan Sarginson in my opinion.

[George Hotel1895]

A great result for the Kiwis and Rugby League.

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