Kiwis and England face up to Australian challenge

New Zealand look to have sharpened their chances of overcoming the odds in the Four Nations with a hard-fought 40-24 win over Tonga.

The Kiwis recorded the win on Wednesday as they build up to next weekend's kick-off, while favourites Australia flew out to Europe on Friday.

New Zealand are seen by many as level with England in the battle to beat the odds, with all bookmakers currently favouring Australia for the competition.

Sportingbet rates Australia as the favourites on 1.28, while New Zealand are at 6.50 and England stand as current second-favourites at 6.00.

Betfair has already opened its rugby league betting market to the competition, listing Australia at 1.33 England at 7.40 and New Zealand at 8.00.

England have been gearing up for the opener against France in Leeds on Friday and are calling on home support to help get them off to the best possible start.

Leeds Rhinos and England man Danny McGuire said: "The Four Nations is a good chance to put the World Cup behind us and get another crack at Australia and New Zealand, but we know we've got a very difficult French side to face first."

France are the rank outsiders, on 75.00 with Betfair.