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PNG vs Cook Islands Tips & Preview - PNG to dominate Pacific Championships clash

jeremy-darke
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Last updated: 01 Nov 2024
Jeremy Darke 01 Nov 2024
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  • PNG Kumuls vs Cook Islands Aitu expert predictions for Sunday’s Pacific Championships NRL game
  • PNG has historically beaten Cook Islands by 22+ points in 6 of 7 games
  • PNG averages 42.5 points against Cook Islands, scoring over 36.5 in most matches
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PNG Kumuls
PNG to get past the Cook Islands (Getty)

PNG vs Cook Islands Predictions


PNG are backed to claim a wide-margin win on Sunday and move into the promotion/relegation match in the Pacific Championship. The team total of 36.5 points should be surged past by PNG and a 22.5 line can be covered in doing so.

  • PNG have beaten the Cook Islands by 22 points or more in 6 of their 7 games, dating back to 1997.
  • PNG have scored over 36.5 points in 5 of 7 matches against the Cook Islands, with a lowest score of 32 points.
  • PNG average 42.5 points per game against the Cook Islands
  • Nene MacDonald scored 4 tries against the Cook Islands last year.

Head to Head 


PNG have won all 7 meetings against the Cook Islands.

The last time they played PNG won the match 46-10 in week 1 of the 2023 Pacific Championships.

PNG Form


The PNG Kumuls surprised most, myself included, with their 22-10 victory of the Fiji Bati in the opening match of the 2024 Pacific Championships. 

With more NRL stars in the Fiji lineup a loss was expected for PNG, however they controlled the territory with 54% racking up 218 more run metres than their opponents.

Nene MacDonald (269 metres) and Robert Derby (285 metres) did plenty of hard work out of their own and and also breaking the Fiji line 3 times between them and both scoring a try.

Winning the linebreak count 5-2 the Kumuls had 33 tackles inside Fiji’s 20m and took advantage by crossing the line 4 times in the match, as the unrecognized five-eight play of Kevin Naiqama came up with 2 try assists in the match. 

PNG Kumuls Team News


Dan Russell comes into the second row to replace Rhyse Martin who is out for personal reasons. Martin is the first-choice goalkicker but his replacement is unknown at this stage. 

Otherwise, Jason Demetriou has named an unchanged side that beat Fiji in the opening match of the Championships.

PNG Team List


1. Nene Macdonald
2. Elijah Roltinga
3. Robert Mathias
4. Rodrick Tai
5. Robert Derby
6. Kyle Laybutt
7. Lachlan Lam
8. Valentine Richard
9. Judah Rimbu
10. Jacob Alick-Wiencke
11. Dan Russell
12. Jeremiah Simbiken
13. Jack De Belin

Interchange
14. Liam Horne
15. Koso Bandi
16. Sylvester Namo
17. Ila Alu

Reserves
18. Sanny Wabo
19. Morea Morea
20. Benji Kot
21. Finley Glare

Cook Islands Form


It was a tough day at the office for the Cook Islands in their match against Fiji last weekend, going down to the Bati 56-6.

Rua Ngatikaura scored the first points of the match, crossing at the 10-minute mark, but then the flood gates opened for Fiji, who went into the break with a 24-6 lead. Things only got worse with 6 more unanswered tries in the second half.

Tough to find any real positives out of the performance, with Fiji charging for 866 more run metres  and 7 more linebreaks than the Cook Islands. Aitu also had 43 missed tackles and offloaded the ball just 7 times.

Cook Islands Aitu Team News


The Cook Islands have named an unchanged side to face PNG.

Cook Islands Team List


1. Esom Ioka
2. Steven Marsters
3. Ruebenn Rennie
4. Delahia Wigmore
5. Rixson Andrew
6. Brad Takairangi
7. Esan Marsters
8. Tepai Moeroa
9. Rui Ngatikaura
10. Davvy Moale
11. Zane Tetevano
12. Reuben Porter
13. Pride Petterson-Robati

Interchange
14. Kobe Tararo
15. Mason Teague
17. Justin Makirere
18. Junior Teroi

Reserves
16. Rhys Dakin
19. Malachi Morgan
20. Makahesi Makatoa
21. Alex Glenn

Verdict

PNG are backed to run away with this one covering their team total of 36.5 and the line of 21.5 with Nene MacDonald crossing for a try or two.
Best Bet1: PNG -21.5 Handicap/Line @10/11 at Betgoodwin - 3 Units
Best Bet2: PNG Over 36.5 Team Total @6/7 at bet365 - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Nene MacDonalad Anytime Tryscorer @4/5 at Hollywood bets - 2 Units
Best Bet4: Nene MacDonalad First Tryscorer @17/2 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
PNG -21.5
Handicap/Line
@10/11 - 3 Units
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PNG Over 36.5
Team Total
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Nene MacDonalad
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03 Nov 2024

PNG Kumuls v Cook Islands Aitu