The bookies have this one about right and may even be a little generous if you fancy a flutter on the green and golds.

Aussie 1/6
England 7/2

Surely this one is a foregone conclusion

eh, how is this match a "foregone conclusion"? Not sure 30k+ people are going to turn up to see everyone going through the motions.

sure, we are not favourites to win by any stretch but we have a fair chance of victory even though history says otherwise.

there seems to be an ongoing negativity with posters on here.

There is a chance of beating them, tempered by a rather greater chance of not beating them.

It's do-able, but would require an almost perfect performance right across the park, and I don't believe we can expect that.

If we have the numpty in charge the last time we played them then no as Aussies will nulify any quick plays with laying on and ref will allow it. As for the serious fowl play will probably turn a blind eye to that. If we get a strong ref who doesn't stand for any of it then think we will win.

I agree, I hope the referee isn't a chicken.

We will be in it for 25 minutes and they'll get 40........

Anyone know who's going to be reffing the game ?
We've had southern hemisphere refs for our games against NZ and Aus so far, so what chance a Super League ref ?
At least we might get a faster play the ball.

Tim Sheens more or less.

Your right Al, he certainly gets plenty of input into how and who should ref the matches and like a dog wanting its tummy tickling, the RFL just roll over.
Its time they became somewhat stronger.

Shock horror, Matt Ceccin gets the gig.

[urlhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/nov/14/matt-ceechin-referee-four-nations?CMP=twt_gu[/url

All four paws in the air and tail wagging frantically - nice one Mr Sheens

That's your quick ptb's screwed then, together with any chance of getting the 50/50 calls.

We will do well for the first 30 throwing the ball about then revert to type one man up the middle and be like a candle - get snuffed out.

I think we need to improve massively to beat the Aussies on Saturday. The chance of them playing like they did against us last time is slim and been the legends last game I am sure they will be red hot. We didn't play bad on Saturday but we need to play better an capitalise on any chances we get. As much as it pains me to say it I am going 36 - 14 to the Aussies

Looks like we'll have plenty of support. There are only single seats left at Elland Road.
Seems like there will be 40,000+ cheering on the boys.
Come on England (and Rangi)

Isn't it limited to 31K or something, due to building work?

Didnt know about that, maybe thats why tickets are becoming so difficult to get hold of

How many times have we been here in the last 20 odd years. Just go out and give it your best shot England, stay with them for an hour and then with that crowd behind you----------------who knows!

Small change to the betting

Aussie 1/5 (in from 1/6)
England 7/2 (unchanged)

Handicap +12

Seems the feelgood factor may be having an effect

I'm a bit new to this

I read this morning that the Aussies get to choose the ref. Is that true? And if it is, could someone tell me why? Thanks.

Its because this is the crazy world of RL, if there's something that cannot in anyway be defined as logical, we will generally make it into a rule.
Its the way! its the rules!

I believe that a few seasons ago they threatened to withdraw from the tournament due to the poor standard of refereeing and in particular the "quality" of SL refs and ever since they seem to have had an unreasonalble amount of input into the refs for the tournament.
(if i'm wrong on this then please correct me)

they have kicked off ever since Ashley swine did their final against Kiwis which think he either binned or sent off a player and gave the kiwis a penalty try. Both decisions were correct but they didn't like the fact it was a superleague ref (even though an Aussie) and tried to blame him for that loss. Think he went back to get a refs job over in oz and they wouldn't use him.

Tim Sheens is a master of the strategic whine/veiled threat, to make sure they get the ref that he perceives will give them the greatest opportunity to play an NRL style game; holding on and rolling around in the tackle, knees/arms in at the ptb and plenty of facials.

I'd rather have one of their refs than our own. They'd only use it as an excuse if by some miracle we actually beat them