NRL 2021: Bulldogs set to break TAB betting records against Penrith

Canterbury’s showdown against Penrith looms as one of the most lopsided games in modern rugby league history. See TAB’s odds here.

It could be a long afternoon for the Dogs.

Canterbury coach Trent Barrett is weighing up the return of halfback Kyle Flanagan for Saturday’s clash against Penrith, which looms as one of the most lopsided games in modern rugby league history.

The Bulldogs are $21 outsiders with the TAB, equalling the second longest odds since the Western Suburbs Magpies ran out against Melbourne in round 23 in 1999 at $31.

TAB’s Rohan Welsh told The Daily Telegraph, Canterbury risk drifting out even further during the week to the worst odds by an NRL team this century.

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“That Wests side of 1999, was the last Western Suburbs Magpies side before they become the Tigers. They had a shocking year. They were $31 dollars with a line of 42.5 against Melbourne, who went on to win the competition that year,” Welsh said.

“But Wests’ second worst odds at $21, that’s where the Bulldogs are at now... so they are now at the second equal longest odds and are at a danger of drifting into out right second, which would make them the worst this century.”

Kyle Flanagan is in line to make a return against Penrith. Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty

Penrith’s $1.01 price is a “rarity” in NRL betting but a testament to how well coach Ivan Cleary’s troops are travelling after dismantling South Sydney 56-12 in Dubbo on the weekend.

“Back in round five Canterbury started at $12 and ending up drifting out to $14 and Melbourne were at a $1.04 and ended up at $1.01... but that is a sign of our good Penrith are going at the moment, it’s also a $7 difference between when the Storm played the Bulldogs in round five to this week,” Welsh said.

Canterbury could bring back Flanagan, who was axed in round nine and is also managing a rib injury. Jack Hetherington will also return from a five-week suspension.

Flanagan’s return puts him in cross hairs of Penrith’s Jarome Luai once again after the young playmakers went at each other verbally and physically in round two, even having a heated scuffle, standing face-to-face as they exchanged pleasantries.

Two weeks ago, an emotional Flanagan spoke of the challenges of leading a losing side hours before learning of his demotion. Flanagan vowed to prove to any detractors that he was capable of wearing the no. 7 jumper at NRL level.

Belmore-bound Matt Burton terrorised the Rabbitohs’ right edge, scoring three tries on Sunday. While Cleary is using Burton as a back, Burton is earmarked as Barrett’s first choice five-eighth next season at Canterbury.

Kyle Feldt takes on Jack Hetherington for a hit on Valentine Holmes. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Canterbury’s halves equation next season is up in the air with rising local junior Jake Averillo also pressing claims to partner Burton in the halves next season.

Firebrand Hetherington will also be available for selection after spending five weeks on the sideline for a grade three high tackle charge on Cowboys fullback Valentine Holmes.

Given the NRL’s crackdown on head and neck contact and Hetherington charge sheet – six charges from 29 games- Barrett would no doubt be nervous to include the 24-year old in his side to take Penrith.

Jeremy Marshall-King (foot), Tui Katoa (head knock), Josh Jackson (calf), Lachlan Lewis (ribs) and Corey Allan (shoulder) are all scheduled to return from injury this weekend.