The International Origin match takes place on Friday evening and the Exiles are 8/15 to beat England
Although some might regard the International Origin clash as a friendly, the comments from both coaches suggest that we might witness a physical encounter on Friday, with England the outsiders at 6/4.
The strength of the Exiles squad makes them the team to beat in Friday’s showdown at Headingley, providing a much-needed test for an England team looking to progress ahead of this year’s Four Nations event. The visitors are 8/15 with Betfred.
Six Australians, six New Zealanders and a Tongan make up the visiting team, with the experienced former New Zealand and Leeds coach Brian McClennan at the helm. The Exiles look to have pace and power all over the park and surely will be too strong for England (10/1 Handicap Betting +4.0).
Scrum-half Thomas Leuluai and Castleford Tigers half-back Rangi Chase, arguably the best player in Super League this season, should combine to good affect, while the Wigan and St Helens trio of George Carmont, Pat Richards and Francis Meli provide a scary threat for Steve McNamara’s men.
When you throw the likes of captain Danny Buderus (25/1 to score first try), full-back Brett Hodgson and powerful forward Willie Manu into the fray, you can see why the Exiles are favourites.
McClennan insisted: “The players have come straight into camp with a great attitude and have gelled really well, which is very positive.
“We are representing all the nations down under and it is an honour to be part of the first ever International Origin game.”
The match would have been tough enough for a full-strength England, but injuries have also hit the home camp and coach McNamara is having to rely heavily on young players.
St Helens’ James Roby and Huddersfield’s Danny Brough are sidelined, while Australian-based trio Sam Burgess, Gareth Ellis and Gareth Widdop are all unavailable due to club commitments.
Wigan hooker Michael McIlorum and Warrington scrum half Richie Myler (14/1 Last Tryscorer) are the future for England, but they will learn a lot from the experienced Exiles at Headingley.
