Roosters, Bulldogs shunned for NRL Nines by bookies as early betting markets open up

BOOKIES have taunted glamour Sydney clubs Canterbury and the Roosters by dismissing their chances of winning the Auckland Nines with opening markets for the competition revealed.

The Roosters are on the third last line of betting to win the Auckland Nines

BOOKIES have taunted glamour Sydney clubs Canterbury and the Roosters by dismissing their chances of winning the Auckland Nines.

The TAB have officially released its Nines market with the Bulldogs ($31) on the second-last line of betting, the Roosters ($26) third-last.

Only struggling Newcastle are rated a lesser chance of winning the annual tournament on February 4-5.

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The Roosters are on the third last line of betting to win the Auckland Nines

If they send strong sides across the Tasman for the tournament, the Roosters and Dogs have the firepower to prove the bookmakers wrong.

“Sydney teams have won the past two but the odds suggest that’s unlikely to happen in 2017,” TAB spokesman Matt Jenkins said.

“Three of the top four in betting are outside of NSW, while three of the bottom four in betting are Sydney-based clubs.

“The Roosters and Bulldogs traditionally name younger teams for the Nines which ensures they are at the bottom end of betting. However, past winners have all been double-digits at around $11.”

The Bulldogs are favoured to only beat Newcastle at the Auckland tournament

As they are every season, the New Zealand Warriors will start warm favourites on home soil at $4. This is despite the fact they have bombed out every season, just as they tend to do in the NRL. The Shaun Johnson factor always gives punters hope the Warriors can finally snatch the prestigious Nines trophy.

North Queensland are second favourites at $5 with last year’s winners Parramatta paying $9.

“The Warriors have opened favourites for the fourth time but are still chasing their first title,” Jenkins said.

“They always field a strong side and are always popular with our punters.

“The Cowboys are the biggest danger with the inclusion of Johnathan Thurston. The Titans will be really competitive and have the added bonus of Jarryd Hayne. Cronulla are $13 and could field a strong side with exciting young players like Valentine Holmes and Jack Bird.

“Things don’t look good for wooden spooners Newcastle, who would struggle no matter what side they choose.”

The Warriors are again favourites to win the tournament in front of home fans

Auckland Nines winner

$4 Warriors

$5 Cowboys

$9 Eels

$10 Titans

$11 Panthers

$13 Sharks, Rabbitohs

$19 Dragons

$21 Broncos, Raiders, Sea Eagles

$23 Storm, Tigers

$26 Roosters

$31 Bulldogs

$34 Knights

Market courtesy TAB