Rabbitohs firm in premiership market as Bennett takes charge
Title expectations are set to rise in Redfern after South Sydney moved into equal second in NRL premiership betting following the appointment of Wayne Bennett.
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Title expectations are set to rise in Redfern after South Sydney moved into equal second in NRL premiership betting following the appointment of Wayne Bennett.
The Rabbitohs were sitting alongside Brisbane when TAB released the 2019 premiership market the day after the Sydney Roosters triumphed in this year’s grand final.
But after the Bennett-Anthony Seibold swap was finally confirmed on Sunday, the foundation club has edged in front of the Broncos alongside Melbourne. Reigning premiers the Sydney Roosters remain favourites.
But South Sydney star Sam Burgess admitted the bar had been lifted following last season’s preliminary final finish, and Bennett’s experience could prove telling.
“We’ll be setting the bar pretty high. I thought we were very close last year but close isn’t good enough,” Burgess told reporters on Monday.
“It’s possible (a title). There haven’t been many changes.
“We lose Angus (Crichton) and Jason Clarke. It gives an opportunity for a couple of players. We’ll wait and see. Wayne will bring his own spin and bring some experience.
“It’s a long way away from that time of year. We’ll just keep working hard.”
Historically, coaching changes have had little impact on premiership betting. Despite arguably the craziest off-season in NRL history - with Manly, Penrith and the Wests Tigers also appointing new coaches - the needle barely moved on their title chances.
Instead it’s the stars that have provided punters with plenty to think about. Cronulla’s stocks blew out after Valentine Holmes’ stunning departure for the NFL, but rose just as quick when they signed mercurial playmaker Shaun Johnson.
The Warriors are now friendless, while Newcastle have also firmed following the major acquisition of Kangaroos star David Klemmer to go with Tim Glasby and Jesse Ramien.
Klemmer’s exit from Canterbury was a major blow for the Bulldogs.
“The big one is Johnson,” TAB spokesperson Gerard Daffy told AAP.
“He goes there, that’s going to bolster their playing ranks. And on the flipside, you’ve got the Warriors who always struggle to get support in premiership markets anyway.
“The one constant with this whole thing is the Roosters.
“It’s very hard to go back to back as we know. They’ve lost (Dylan) Napa but they’ve got adequate replacement. They trotted into the final and it’s all looking good for them.”
NRL CLUB BETTING AFTER SUMMER CHANGES
Sydney Roosters - $4.50 to $4.50
Melbourne - $8 to $8
South Sydney - $9 to $8
Brisbane - $9 to $10
Penrith - $10 to $11
Cronulla - $15 to $13
Warriors - $17 to $26
Newcastle - $19 to $17
Wests Tigers - $21 to $23
Canterbury - $23 to $41
Manly - $34 to $34
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Originally published as Rabbitohs firm in premiership market as Bennett takes charge
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