NRL 2022: Punters back Paramatta Eels for title after pre-season win over Penrith

Punters believe the Eels are the real deal, making them one of the best-backed teams for this year’s premiership. But another top contender is on the nose and tipped to miss the top four.

St George Illawarra Dragons vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs in the annual Charity Shield clash in Mudgee. Picture: NRL Imagery

St George Illawarra’s impressive Charity Shield victory over South Sydney has failed to win the support of bookmakers heading into round one.

Not only has the TAB kept the Dragons at $34 in premiership betting (with only the Tigers $51 and Cowboys $41 at juicier odds), but Anthony Griffin’s new-look team are also shock $2.10 outsiders for their opening round clash, with the Warriors $1.75 favourites.

Meanwhile, it’s also been revealed Newcastle is now best backed over the Tigers and Cowboys for most losses this year, while the Knights are also best backed to miss the top eight.

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The Dragons are flying but bookmakers remain sceptical.

The Dragons were at their longest odds last year when they opened at $51 before coming into $41 after the draw was released.

But since then they have really made a statement with the weekend win in Mudgee over last year’s grand finalists leading many experts, including Fox League’s Greg Alexander, to now have the Dragons in their top eight.

But a TAB spokesman said they were remaining cautious and have resisted tightening them further for now.

In the official most losses market, the Tigers are still $3.25 favourites ahead of the Cowboys $4.50, Dragons $5, Warriors $8, Knights $10, Broncos and Bulldogs $13.

At the other end, the Sydney Roosters are the market’s big movers, into $6 in premiership betting and replacing Manly ($8.50) as third favourites behind Penrith ($5) and Melbourne ($5.50).

The TAB says the Roosters are also best backed for the premiership.

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South Sydney has stayed solid at $9 despite the Charity Shield result, but the Bunnies are being well backed to miss the top four.

The weekend’s other impressive winners Parramatta is on the next line at $15 and third best backed to win the title.

TAB NRL premiership market: $5 Panthers, $5.50 Storm, $6 Roosters, $8.50 Sea Eagles, $9 Rabbitohs, $15 Eels, $17 Sharks, $19 Raiders, $19 Titans, $21 Knights, $23 Bulldogs, $26 Broncos, $34 Warriors, $34 Dragons, $41 Cowboys, $51 Tigers.

Originally published as NRL 2022: Punters back Paramatta Eels for title after pre-season win over Penrith