Storm favourites but best value
Melbourne Storm completely dominated the NRL competition last year, and we cannot see any reason why another premiership cup will not be heading down the Hume Highway in 2008.
The Victorian side have one of the biggest home ground advantages in the league, and have the happy knack of unearthing new talent when it is needed. They have lost a few players from last years list, but there is no questioning there depth, and realistically, the 3.50 on offer is probably over the odds.
Looking for a probably danger to the Storm is not an easy task as all sides have had plenty of convictions. North Queensland and Parramatta share the second line of betting at 9.00, but there are big ‘ifs’ with both. ‘If’ Jonathon Thurston recovers from shoulder surgery, then the Cowboys are capable of giving Melbourne a run for their money. The big ‘if’ with the Eels is whether or not they can play to their capabilities. They always promise so much, but fail to deliver. The 9.00 on offer is certainly no big ’spoil’ as far as odds go, but we are going to give them another chance.
The Roosters are the side that have us all guessing. Will they continue on with their improved form after Brad Fittler took over? Will Willie Mason be the difference? Based on a combination of both, the Roosters are well in commission at 11.00, and there has been solid support for them after opening at 15.00. Punters have been eager to launch into the Roosters, but just like Parramatta, the odds are more of a reflection of what they are capable of.
Brisbane is one side that always command respect, and even though they have lost Petero Civinoceva, their loyal fans have buttered up again. The Broncos have been very easy to sell at 13.00, but we just can’t see a premiership title for Brisbane this year. Those looking for a side that may improve enough to be a threat could have something on either Penrith or Cronulla. Penrith (21.00) have signed Civoniceva, but the Panthers are another side that has struggled with consistency. Cronulla have already been backed from 26.00 into 17.00, and the Sharks did show in the first half of last season that they are more than capable of mixing it with the best.
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