As we enter into a new year, avid rugby fans know that they don’t have long to wait before the National Rugby League season kicks off in earnest. For punters who like to have a wager on the NRL, this is a great time to check out the latest ante-post betting odds for the 2020 NRL Grand Final winner.
Unsurprisingly, back-to-back champions Sydney Roosters head the field as 11/4 favourites to make it a three-peat. But, will Cooper Cronk’s retirement hamper their efforts in 2020? There’s a lot of pressure on the shoulders of new recruit Kyle Flanagan, and the Roosters will also be banking on the young talents of Sam Verrills and Nat Butcher to pick up where they left off last time out. Of course, this is the team to beat, but is there better value elsewhere in the market?
Big things are expected again of youngster Sam Verrills in 2020. Credit: Naparazzi
After the Roosters, Melbourne Storm are second-favourites at 9/2. Every punter knows the Storm are always a force to be reckoned with. They most certainly have the pedigree to go all the way in 2020, and with the skills of Ryan Papenhuyzen on display, you just know they will be contenders at the season-ending final series.
Hot on the heels of the Storm are last season’s runners-up Canberra Raiders. They currently sit at 11/2 in the betting. The signing of Wigan Warriors star George Williams could be the catalyst the Raiders need to go one step further in 2020. We are sure plenty of punters will be interested in a little dabble at that price.
George Williams is the latest Wigan player to sign for Canberra. Credit: Richard Long/News Images
Those are the three clear favourites. The next lowest odds are 10/1 for the Paramatta Eels. As this side proved in 2019, on their day, they are world-beaters. However, a lack of consistency plagued them during that campaign. If they can address that weakness, the Eels will undoubtedly have a say in where the NRL goes in 2020. Also, at 12/1 Wayne Bennett’s South Sydney Rabbitohs could be an interesting punt. In terms of Premier titles, the Rabbitohs are still out in front, but the recent successes of their city rivals will certainly be niggling at them. Having reached the preliminary final in 2019, Bennett will be itching to push them further this time around.
Naturally, when the season begins in March, the focus of betting shifts from outright winner to a match-by-match basis. Keep a lookout for the best bets of the day so you can maximise your profits as the season progresses. Lastly, we are strong advocates of responsible gambling. Make sure to keep it fun!
