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International Rugby League Week 2 Preview & Best Bets

Joel Johnston

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Fact Checked by Ryan Tucker

Last updated: Thu 23 Oct 2025 14:03

Joel Johnston 23 Oct 2025

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PNG vs Cook Islands: PNG seeks Pacific Bowl dominance, boosted by momentum.
England vs Australia: Australia fields a star-studded team for Ashes Game 1.
Tonga vs Samoa: Expect fireworks at Suncorp with both teams aiming to win.

International Rugby League Week 2 Preview & Best Bets

International Rugby League Week 2 - Preview & Best Bets

Brought to you by League of Inches & bets.com.au writers

International Rugby League Week 2 - Preview & Best Bets
Papua New Guinea v Cook Islands
Best Bet:
England v Australia - The Rugby League Ashes (Game 1)
Best Bet:
Tonga v Samoa
Joel's Best Bet:
Isaac's Best Bet:
Final Word

There’s a massive weekend of international rugby league ahead, and our mates over at League of Inches have broken down all the big matchups with their best bets for each game.

From the Pacific Bowl showdown in Port Moresby to the Ashes opener at Wembley, and the fiery Tonga v Samoa clash at Suncorp, there’s something for every rugby league fan (and punter).

Papua New Guinea v Cook Islands

📍 Port Moresby

🕒 Saturday, 3pm QLD / 4pm NSW

The Cook Islands must win to keep their Pacific Bowl hopes alive after losing to Fiji last week. For Papua New Guinea, the pressure is on to assert dominance as they prepare to join the NRL in 2028.

With momentum from last week’s Prime Minister’s XIII and the PNG Chiefs storyline adding buzz, the Kumuls will be looking to make a statement at home.

“There’s a lot of pride and progression in this PNG side, they’re developing faster than ever,” said the League of Inches team.

Best Bet:

With elite speed and a strong left edge, Robert Derby looks primed to cross the stripe in front of a fired-up Port Moresby crowd.

Robert Derby $1.50Anytime TryscorerBet Here

New customers only. 18+ T&Cs and wagering requirements apply. WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit.

England v Australia - The Rugby League Ashes (Game 1)

📍 Wembley Stadium, London

🕚 Saturday night, 11:30pm QLD / 12:30am NSW

The Ashes are back for the first time in over two decades, and Wembley Stadium will be rocking as Australia take on England in Game 1.

The English lineup remains a mystery with no confirmed squad 48 hours out, while Australia have named an all-star outfit featuring Reece Walsh, Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.

“This Australian side is stacked with form players, Reece Walsh can’t put a foot wrong, Cleary and Munster together are lethal, and the pack is elite,” they said.

Even without Payne Haas, the Kangaroos look untouchable. England’s delay in naming a side feels like classic mind games, but it’s hard to see the Aussies being rattled.

Best Bet:

Expect Australia to open their campaign in style dominance through the middle, points out wide, and a comfortable win on the scoreboard.

Australia 13+ $1.90Winning MarginBet Here

New customers only. 18+ T&Cs and wagering requirements apply. WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit.

Tonga v Samoa

📍 Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

🕒 Sunday, 3pm QLD / 4pm NSW

This is the matchup every fan’s been waiting for. Tonga v Samoa at Suncorp Stadium promises fireworks with Origin-level intensity, emotion, and physicality.

For Samoa, it’s a must-win after losing to New Zealand in Week 1. Expect them to start sharp, with combinations clicking faster after that opening hit-out. Tonga, led by the electric Isaiah Katoa, enter fresh and full of firepower.

“This could be the game of the tournament, both sides are loaded with stars and world-class forwards,” the hosts said.

Joel's Take:

“Samoa can’t afford to drop two straight. They’ll be desperate, and I think that gets them over the line, take Samoa 1–12.”

Isaac’s Take:

“I’m backing Tonga. Katoa’s leadership, the youth movement in camp, and their balanced side make them a real threat.”

Joel's Best Bet:

Samoa 1-12 $2.87Winning MarginBet Here

New customers only. 18+ T&Cs and wagering requirements apply. WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit.

Isaac's Best Bet:

Tonga 1-12 $3.40Winning MarginBet Here

New customers only. 18+ T&Cs and wagering requirements apply. WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit.

Final Word

Week 2 of the Pacific Championships and Rugby League Ashes delivers everything fans could ask for with passion, rivalry, and world-class rugby league.

From Papua New Guinea’s rise to Australia’s Ashes dominance and Tonga v Samoa’s fireworks, there’s betting value across every match.

“This weekend is everything international rugby league should be - pride, passion, and plenty of betting opportunities,” said League of Inches.