Bookies rate Canberra Raiders as outsiders for NRL grand final
The last time the grand final saw such underdogs upset the odds was Balmain beating South Sydney back in 1969. Fifty years on, Canberra are looking to do punters a favour this weekend.
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Canberra will be attempting to pull off the biggest grand final upset in 50 years.
Not since Balmain famously toppled favourites South Sydney 11-2 at the SCG in 1969 has the big day thrown up such an underdog.
According to the TAB, the Raiders are $3 to win Sunday’s decider, while the Sydney Roosters are at $1.40.
In 1969, the Tigers were paying $3.10 to beat hot favourites the Rabbitohs ($1.33), who had the likes of Ron Coote, Bob McCarthy and John Sattler in their side.
Although it was a long time ago, the Balmain result will give Canberra hope that they can pull off a stunning upset.
Other grand final upsets in the past 20 years include Melbourne ($2.70, 1999), Newcastle ($2.60, 2001), Penrith ($2.60, 2003), the Roosters ($2.15, 2018), Brisbane ($2.10, 2006) and Cronulla ($2, 2016).
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“If Canberra beat the Sydney Roosters on Sunday it will be the biggest upset in TAB history,” the TAB’s Matt Jenkins said.
“TAB records highlight there have been six upsets dating back to 1998. The longest-priced winners were Melbourne Storm at $2.70 in 1999 when they beat the Dragons.
“Favourites have dominated over recent years, with just two outsiders winning the past 12 deciders.
“The Roosters last year started $2.15 and the Sharks were only slight outsiders at $2 when they beat the Storm in 2016.
“Previous to that, favourites won nine straight, with Brisbane upsetting the Storm in 2006.
“Money on the grand final is evenly split. TAB punters believing the Raiders are good value to stop the Roosters recording back-to-back premiership victories.”
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Despite being heavy favourites, Roosters players are remaining focused and looking forward to soaking up a big week.
“It’s pretty crazy — another year, another grand final,” Roosters centre Joey Manu said.
“We’re really excited, we can’t wait to play. We’re pumped and looking for our best performance.”
Forward Siosiua Taukeiaho added: “It’s probably the best week of the year. We’re in for an awesome week.”
Roosters centre Latrell Mitchell is also pumped.
“It’s the team, it’s awesome,” Mitchell said. “There are great players in the team and we work really hard. You can’t say we don’t. Our training sessions are second to none.”
Originally published as Bookies rate Canberra Raiders as outsiders for NRL grand final