Bookmakers ignore St Helens’ win over Penrith Panthers who are still massive favourites for NRL glory

The Penrith Panthers may have been stunned by St Helens in the World Club Challenge, but it is being ignored by the bookmakers who still have them installed as massive favourites to win a third consecutive NRL Grand Final.

Despite the fact the bookmakers gave St Helens a 24 point start against the Panthers whilst the likes of Phil Gould said that Penrith would be “able to declare at halftime”, the NRL Champions were stunned by the Super League Champions in a game that has everyone talking about Super League deserving more respect.

However, there are those who believed the game showed signs of weakness in Penrith’s title defence as they install a new number nine and backrowers.

They have now lost Taylan May to a season ending injury too after an Agnatius Paasi tackle.

However, the defeat has been taken no notice off with Panthers still 9/4 to win the Grand Final and 5/2 for the Minor Premiership.

Perhaps this points to how little the World Club Challenge is viewed in Australia especially with many still viewing it as a trial match for the Panthers.

After all, it was many of their players’ first game since the World Cup.

On the other side of things, St Helens are even more fancied by SkyBet to win the Super League Grand Final and are now 15/8.

Wigan Warriors have been pushed back a touch after their defeat whilst Leeds Rhinos are no longer in the top four favourites following their loss to Warrington Wolves who have now been installed as third favourites.