It's finally here, many folk would look at the Four Nations as a waste of time but any time you get international rugby league is a good time in my books. It kicks off with a double whammy, something to make rugby league fans wet their undies as England take on Samoa which is followed by the Kangaroos vs the Kiwis. She'll be a beaut.

England vs Samoa

The Samoans face a tough ask, their the fourth rank side in a tournament that includes four teams. Could they win a game? Yup, if everything goes their way but with the dramas starting before the tournament starts, it's gonna be pretty tough. The Samoans could come out and rally, get in behind the likes of Tautau Moga and Reni Maitua, or they could just not and be outclassed by the English. 

The English have a forward pack that could not only hold it's own but could out perform their Samoan opposition. That will only happen however if George Burgess and James Graham put in rather herculean performances because Samoa has some serious size and mobility that will be tough to contend with. Keep an eye on Frank Pritchard who returned to NRL action late in the season and went alright while having Josh McQuire at lock will give the Samoans some serious toughness through the middle.

Where the Samoans may struggle is in the backs. The English can call on Gareth Widdop, Sam Tomkins and top shelf Super League talent out wide in Kallum Watkins, Josh Charnley and Ryan Hall. Samoa boast plenty of talent with Tim Simona lining up at fullback, definitely someone who will offer a threat every time he gets the ball, while Ricky Leutele in the centres also had a strong season with the Sharks. 

If Ben Roberts can replicate his Melbourne Storm form then Samoa will have a chance especially with plenty of impact and enthusiasm off their bench. However, they are relying on Kyle Stanley aka Mr No Position to take the reigns at halfback. Matt Parish might have a sneaky plan for Stanley, but I'm gonna bet against any side with Stanley in the 7 jersey.

Kangaroos vs Kiwis

Not sure what to make of this match. Both sides know that bar a slight miracle, they'll both be in the final and I reckon they're keeping their cards close to their chests. That's why we were almost given the opportunity to see Dallin Watene-Zelezniak represent his proud family history in the black and white jersey, but we've robbed of that. Damn injuries. 

This Kiwi side gets me a wee bit excited. Kieran Foran and Shaun Johnson will have to be near their best to trouble the Kangaroos side because I honestly reckon our forward pack can get the slight edge through the middle. Foran and Johnson have got to run the show, playing down the right end of the field and ensuring that the Kangaroos have to work hard for field position.

The Kiwi pack is loaded with size and footwork. For me, that's summed up by the kid making his debut - Jason Taumalolo. We've seen him be his beastly self in the middle of the park for the Cowboys (instead of playing on an edge where he has spent much of his career) and he'll offer plenty of mobility and aggression on both attack and defence. Interestingly, Jesse Bromwich and Martin Taupau are the only specialist 'props' in the 17 with Stephen Kearney opting for the 'middle forward' dynamic. I like it. Bromwich, Taupau, Taumalolo, Greg Eastwood and Adam Blair should match the Kangaroos up the guts.

The Kangaroos offer well, what they always offer. They'll look to put in a professional performance dominated by Greg Inglis, Daly Cherry-Evans, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith. They don't quite have the all round amazing talent throughout the 17 as they usually do but having the likes of Dylan Walker partnering Michael Jennings is just scary. Plain scary.

The middle, I've talked about it a lot, probably too much but the Kangaroos have opted for the mobile middle forward as well. In fact, the Kangaroos forward pack looks a bit plain. Freakishly tough but a bit plain and this could be where the Kiwis target them with power and footwork as well as a bit of razzle dazzle. The Kangaroos will be extremely tough to score against though. Having Beau Scott out on an edge sums them up and they'll put in the type of performance where the Kiwis try run them side line to side line, attacking up the guts as well only for a bloke in green and gold to pop up and make a tackle every damn time. That's the Kangaroos for ya.

I'm obviously gonna take the Kiwis every day of the week. To be honest, this game doesn't really mean a great deal but as always it will be entertaining and with a few fresh faces, I'm looking forward to it ... well I'm looking forward to Kiwis and Australians trying to belt and out play each other.