PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 15: Cameron Smith, Greg Inglis, Matt Scott, Trent Merrin and Shannon Boyd of Australia line up for the Australian national anthem during the International Rugby League Test match between the Australian Kangaroos and the New Zealand Kiwis at nib Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)Paul Kane/Getty Images

Four Nations Tournament Betting Preview: Australia, New Zealand Odds Favorites

OddsShark.comOct 27, 2016

England will be the site of the Rugby League Four Nations Tournament this year, and they'll be hosting tournament holders New Zealand along with Australia and Scotland—who will open the competition this weekend. The Kangaroos will be looking to make a statement in their opening game as they try to regain the Four Nations crown.

Australia is a heavy favorite against Scotland at $1.01, according to website Australian Gambling. In contrast, Scotland stands at $21.00 to claim what would be an historic victory. A win for them would be even more remarkable considering that no fourth-ranked team has ever beaten any of the top three sides in this tournament.

Scotland will be relying on a number of foreign-born Scottish descendants to boost their chances against the big league nations. Lachlan Coote of the North Queensland Cowboys will get his chance to shine in a Scotland jersey. The Kangaroos, as ever, are a team full of confidence, with Origin, International and NRL experience, and they will be expected to blow away their rivals.

England this year will be looking to overthrow the dominance of New Zealand and Australia. With new head coach Wayne Bennett bringing a wealth of inside knowledge of both the NRL and Kangaroos setups, they may just have an edge.

New Zealand, however, are still priced as favorites to claim an opening-round victory over England at $1.74. Despite demoralizing defeats to Australia in their last two matches, they will be confident of beating an English side that has continually struggled against their southern hemisphere rivals.

Bennett has selected a squad with what he hopes is the right blend of Englishmen from the NRL and domestic Super League. They will be looking to overturn odds of $2.10 against the Kiwis.

As current holders of the Four Nations title, New Zealand are the team to beat. With rivalries across the board with all the teams, though, every game has the potential to be a classic.

Scotland will look to battle valiantly as underdogs, while England look to upset the odds and Australia try to regain their position at the top of the rugby league summit.