4Nations betting market

[DIEHARD]

Champs chumps in Nations' market

THEY may be the reigning world rugby league champions, but New Zealand have already been rated "no chance" by bookies on both sides of the globe.
TAB Sportsbet has listed New Zealand at $6 to triumph in the Four Nations behind Australia ($1.28).

Several corporate bookies have also listed New Zealand $6, while English firm William Hill has installed their very own Poms $5.50 second favourtites ahead of coach Stephen Kearney's men.

Former Kiwi captain and coach Gary Freeman said it would take a brave man to already write off New Zealand and take the unders about the Aussies.

"They wrote New Zealand off last time in the World Cup and looked what happened," Freeman pointed out.

"They will make the final. I know England are at home but they'd have to improve a hell of a lot on last year to make the final.

"Once you make that final, anything can happen. Australia are extremely short in the market."

TAB Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie said Australia would start favourite ahead of their cross-Tasman rivals "99 times out of 100", despite last year's World Cup shock.

"And with New Zealand this year some of the players will not have thrown on a boot for nearly two months come the first game," Munsie said.

"We have put Australia up at $1.28, yet the punters have not stopped steaming into them."

* THE Bulldogs have firmed from $8 into $7.50 for next year's NRL premiership after bets of $9600 and $5000 were written this week.

The Bulldogs are fifth favourites for the premiership, behind Parramatta ($5.50), Melbourne ($6), Manly ($7) and the St George Illawarra Dragons ($7).

Source: http://www.thecouriermail.com.au

[DIEHARD]

AUS $1.28
NZ $6
England $6
France $101

[Capital_Shark]

AUS $1.28
NZ $6
England $6
France $101

The chances Australia will lose consecutive International tournaments are the slimest of slim as reflected by the $1.28. NZ ought to be closer to $8 - they did win the WC though so that could explain why they're down to $6, but then you've gotta ask what England have done to be so low? Surely home ground advantage isn't worth that much, I would have thought they'd be bridging the gap between NZ and France.

Does anyone rate anyone other than the Kangroos a chance? The pack is solid enough to handle any opposition packs, the play makers are world class and the back line has a million points in it and all speed combined could break the sound barrier. The slower tracks and possible (probable) bad weather in England might put a bit of a damper on the flair of the Aussie's 1-5 and how the 6 & 7 get the ball to them but that will affect NZ too who are pretty much all used to the same conditions as the Aussies. It could only benefit France and England but I don't think they're anywhere near the other two anyway.

[DIEHARD]

I think Australia are red hot favourites. And it'll be a competition to see who is the other Finalist.

I'm just ready to sit back and enjoy what the other teams have to offer. I'm hoping for some competitive performances from France. Hoping to see some young England internationals of the future.

Surely New Zealand should be at shorter odds than England, or maybe they are just being kind to England.

I'm really excited about this tournament. It's alot better than the trinations IMO. And France now they have a pro club, need to be thrown into the deepend.

Australia just look terrifying though, thank god I am Australian. Otherwise these guys would give me nightmares.