Samoa's extra-time golden-point victory over England could end up being the moment of the tournament, but ahead of Saturday's Old Trafford final with Australia, the market's opinion is that a Samoan (9/1) win over the world No 1s (1/8) to claim a shock World Cup would simply be an upset too far.
There is no understating the size of the battle Samoa face; they are the first new nation to play in a World Cup final in 34 years, and the first ever Pacific nation to do so.
But the tournament began with the general opinion that the Samoans were one of the teams to watch, and they have now well and truly put their 60-6 loss to England in the tournament's opener behind them.
In the match with England, Samoa's Stephen Crichton not only kicked the all-important drop goal, but crossed twice and kicked three conversions. If Samoa are to run Australia close, his performance will be key (14/5 anytime tryscorer).
Meanwhile, leading the way for the Kangaroos has been Josh Addo-Carr (2/5 anytime tryscorer, 5/1 first), who has been as good as was predicted pre-tournament, and is now just one try away from breaking the tournament's record for the most in one World Cup.
There is an air of inevitability that surrounds the 11-time World Cup Champions Australia, whose quality in attack and solidity in defence has been proved time and time again in the tournament, and means they are more than capable of bursting the Samoans' bubble. Against New Zealand in the other semi-final, Australia also proved their grit, fighting from behind to claim a 16-14 win over their rivals.
As a result, it should come as no surprise if Australia win third Rugby League World Cup in a row - but Samoa will throw everything they have at it (Samoa +20, 1/1).
In the Women's tournament, New Zealand (11/2) will face Australia (1/8) in the final on Saturday at Old Trafford, 13:15. Australia are the favourites, but New Zealand battled hard against England to make the final and will not lie down easily (New Zealand +16 to win 10/11).
The Wheelchair Rugby League Final takes place the day before, with England (16/11) and France (16/11) facing off in a repeat of the previous two finals that saw France emerge narrow winners on both occasions, but it could go either way at Manchester Central.
World Cup final - Australia v Samoa, Old Trafford, Manchester, November 19, 16:00.
