Cronk’s Roosters have NRL punters crowing
RUGBY LEAGUE: They didn’t win the premiership this year, didn’t even reach the grand final.
But, never underestimate 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 are the shortest-priced pre-season favourites since Manly back in 2009.
And the Sea Eagles’ odds came after the club’s famous 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, $2m deal.
“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 TAB’s Matt Jenkins said.
The biggest bet on the Roosters to win next year’s minor premiership has been $20,000 at $4.75.
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. “Bring it on.”
Another interesting betting development has involved Newcastle.
The Knights – having signed NSW State of Origin halfback Mitchell Pearce – has attracted considerable support from punters.
Newcastle is 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.