Plunge on Roosters
Cronk factor reels in the odds
THEY didn’t win the premiership this year, didn’t even reach the grand final.
Never underestimate, though, the power and influence of Cooper Cronk.
Amazingly, the Sydney Roosters – eliminated in week three of this year’s NRL finals series – have been installed the shortest- priced pre- season favourites in a decade.
Coach Trent Robinson’s side, with Cronk as the new halfback, have tightened into $ 5 for next season’s premiership, according to the TAB’s latest market.
The Roosters were paying $ 6 before a plunge late last week. They are now outright premiership favourites. Cronk’s arrival has punters salivating and they’re outlaying big bucks on the Chooks well before the 2018 season kicks off.
The Roosters are the shortest- priced pre- season favourites since Manly in 2009. And the Sea Eagles’ odds came after the club’s 40- 0 grand final win over Melbourne the previous season.
The pressure is now well and truly on Robinson and his Roosters with Cronk not being afforded any time to settle into his new club.
TAB data shows the Roosters actually hold more than 20 per cent of money invested on the 2018 premiership.
The bulk of the money has come for the Roosters since the club signed Cronk to a two- year, $ 2 million deal.
“The Roosters at $ 5 are the shortest pre- season premiership price with TAB since the Manly Sea Eagles were $ 4.50 back in 2009,” said TAB’s Matt Jenkins.
“In the past decade we haven’t seen many teams as short as the Roosters which gives you an indication of how well they are fancied.”
The biggest bet on the Roosters to win next year’s minor premiership has been $ 20,000 at $ 4.75.
Robinson’s side is paying $ 4 to be crowned minor premiers. Again, they are outright favourites.
Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea- Hargreaves described his club’s expectations as “massive”.
“There’s a couple of new faces and a couple of new signings. It is exciting,” he said. “I’m ready to go again in ’ 18. I’ve got a month off ( after representing New Zealand at the World Cup).
“I will hit the ground running on the fifth ( of January). I want to try and build a good foundation for the start of the season. Build off 2017.
“I want to come back and try and improve. Bring it on.”
Another interesting betting development has involved Newcastle.
The Knights – having signed NSW State of Origin halfback Mitchell Pearce – have attracted considerable support from punters.
Newcastle are now the seventh best supported team and sit on the 12th line of betting at $ 29 – in from $ 34.
The Knights are paying $ 2.75 to make the top eight next season.