Tri-Nations Betting: Australia vrs Great Britain

After a thrashing at the hands of New Zealand last weekend, Great Britain face the mighty Australians once again in their latest Tri-Nations outing. The Aussies will be looking for revenge after Team GB's win in their last encounter.

Sean Long has flown back to the U.K, citing "personal problems". Just how personal those problems are, based on a recent plane flight where passengers asked to be moved away from the troubled Long, remains to be seen. Long's problems aside, Great Britain have a hole to fill while the St Helens play maker tries to sort his life out. Hull's Richard Horne has stepped up to the plate in what will surely be the youngster's biggest international rugby league game of his career. A strong performance by Horne could see Long left in the international wilderness.

However, can Great Britain really beat Australia again? After a power packed display two weeks ago GB looked to be far superior to Australia. Then, last weekend, New Zealand hosted Brian Noble's men and soundly beat them in Wellington. With Australia still sore and Sean Long's well publicised departure things do not look too great for Great Britain.

Ricky Stuart has demanded Australia put in a much improved performance in this game and, despite the carrot of a Tri-Nations final for Great Britain should they win the game, I can see no other result than a big win for Australia.

The sportsbooks are also confident of a big Australian win. Bet365 quote Australia at 4/5 (1.80) for victory with a 16 point handicap, a huge handicap for an international game between two of the top rugby league nations. For outright victory Australia are almost unbackable at 1/10 (1.10). There appears little value in any of the win markets here. However, punters who can find even money or better for Australia with tha 14 or 16 points handicap should consider making an investment!

As Australia are likely to be fired up for this game, the "first scoring play" market looks an interesting one. An early penalty for Great Britain does not look out of the question and should they kick for goal and score you can expect to pick up 9/1 at Bet365 for that bet.

Ed note: Make your rugby league bets at Bet365 for a huge £100 bet bonus when you open a new account

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