OPINION: This month's Rugby League World Cup is set to be the most one-sided "global" sports tournament in recent history.
The event only has three realistic contenders as it is, but organisers might as well give the Kangaroos the trophy already.
I haven't felt this pessimistic about the New Zealand rugby league team since I walked out of Westpac Stadium in 2007 following the Kiwis 58-0 loss to the Aussies.
The squad naming on Thursday is set to be a massive disappointment.
No Jesse Bromwich. No Kieran Foran. No Kevin Proctor. No Jordan Kahu. No Tohu Harris. No chance.
While the Kangaroos can afford to leave out NRL stars James Tedesco, Dylan Walker, and Sam Thaiday, the Kiwis selectors will be frantically calling around looking for eligible players.
In Taumalolo the Kiwis had the best forward in the world right now, but his defection to play for Tonga has left an enormous hole. The powerhouse was probably the only NZ player who would actually make the Australian XIII.
The desperation for players has reached a point that even faded star Benji Marshall is in the mix for selection, almost a decade after he peaked as a player.
Then there's the inexperienced and underwhelming coaching staff led by David Kidwell, who has looked increasingly out of his depth through the six games he's been with the side so far.
It's in stark contrast to the Kangaroos who have Mal Meninga at the helm, a proven coach who has nine years of State of Origin experience and is yet to lose an international Test match.
The Kiwis will probably still make the final given England's massive lack of depth, but if you think anyone's good enough to compete with, let alone beat the Kangaroos, you're living in a fool's paradise.
TAB ODDS: Kangaroos $1.25, Kiwis $5.00, England $8.00, Tonga $51.00
John Day is a Radio LIVE sports reporter
