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Author: Alex Christodoulou
Apr 30, 2019 07:01 PM
AAP
Familiar faces at the top of the market
Just under two months into the 2019 NRL season and the heavy hitters have already got a strangle-hold on the competition.
Read on for the latest updates in not just the NRL premiership odds, but also the wooden spoon and Dally M markets.
NRL Premiership Odds
Sydney Roosters
NRL Odds $3.20
The Roosters have picked up where they left off last year, quickly reminding everybody that they are the best team in the comp.
They've now won six straight and thanks to their points differential, sit at the summit of the ladder.
James Tedesco and Latrell Mitchell have been in sparkling form, while Luke Keary has also been doing everything right.
At their best, the Chooks are unstoppable.
But with so many of their players set to play Origin, there's a possibility that they might run out of steam in their quest for back-to-back premierships.
Melbourne Storm
NRL Odds $5
The Storm have once again had a blistering start to their campaign, joining the Roosters on six wins at the top of the table.
Their one defeat came against the Tri-colours and it was just by one point, suggesting that they're an improved team from last year's grand final loss.
While Cameron Smith and Cameron Munster are playing as well as ever, it's some of Melbourne's unheralded players who are really stepping up.
Jahrome Hughes has seemlessly slotted into fullback, alleviating any fears from Storm fans that Billy Slater's retirement could spell the end of their era of dominance.
Lock Dale Finucane continues to do all the little things right, as well as busting his gut week-in-week out for Craig Bellamy.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
NRL Odds $6
While Souths haven't been winning as convincingly as their cross-town rivals the Roosters, they continually get the job done.
And with more room for improvement, there's an argument that Wayne Bennett's men are over the NRL odds at $6.
Cody Walker has been instrumental at five-eighth, catapulting himself into Origin calculation.
But it's the grit the Bunnies have shown that has really been the hallmark of their 2019 success.
They can win ugly and have a resiliant defensive unit, which is what you need come September.
The early retirement of Greg Inglis hasn't effected the Redfern faithful and with the possibility of unsettled Broncos centre James Roberts joining them over the next month, Souths look a great bet.
Wooden Spoon (least wins) Odds
Canterbury Bulldogs
NRL Odds $2.70
The Dogs have stayed solid in the least wins market, remaining around the $3 mark since the start of the season.
They're currently one of the seven teams stuck in a log jam for last, on just two wins.
But with the worst point differential, the Bulldogs are anchored to the bottom of the ladder.
While they've certainly shown grit, the jury is still out as to whether Dean Pay's men have enough points in them to stave off the spoon.
Kieran Foran and Dylan Napa return from injury over the coming weeks might provide the boost they need.
Newcastle Knights
NRL Odds $4.33
Along with the Broncos, the Knights have been the major disappointments of 2019.
After an opening round win, the Novacastrians had to wait all the way until Round 7 to get their next.
While this was a good return to form, the Knights next face three straight away games, which will pose a major challenge.
Especially considering the Knights are yet to win away from home in 2019.
Newcastle have also been struggling for points and the worry is how they will cope when they lose star fullback Kaylyn Ponga to Origin duties.
Gold Coast Titans
NRL Odds: $5
After a horror start to their 2019 campaign, the Titans have responded.
Their much-hyped forward pack failed to impress in the opening month of the competition, before they started to get on top in recent weeks.
Even without Ryan James who suffered an ACL tear, the Gold Coast boys still have plenty of meat in the middle.
If their halves can stay fit, then they should start stringing the wins together.
Especially considering that they have a relatively easy list of upcoming fixtures that sees them play the Dogs and Cowboys twice.
Dally M Medal Odds
Cameron Munster
NRL Odds $4.50
Cameron Munster currently leads the Dally M voting with 11 points, just one point ahead of the chasing pack.
It's no surprise Munster is in the lead given Melbourne's start to the season.
And the good news for punters who have already bet on the five-eighth is that Munster hasn't really played at his best.
He's only recorded three tries and two try assists in 2019.
If he can orchestrate a few more four pointers, then he's sure to pick up more votes in the future.
James Tedesco
NRL Odds $5
Tedesco is sitting on 10 points as the Dally M ladder stands, just one behind Munster.
The lightning-quick full back has had a stellar start to the season.
This is reflected in the NRL stats, where he's right up there for most linebreaks, tries and run metres.
But it's his toughness and defensive awareness that often goes unnoticed.
"Teddy" has become a complete player, and would be a deserved Dally M winner.
Cameron Smith
NRL Odds $9
Cameron Smith continues to belie his age, arguably playing as well as he ever has in the middle of the park.
His influence to Melbourne's success has been picked up by the Dally M voters, who have given him 10 points so far.
The advantage that Smith has over Tedesco and Munster is that he has retired from Origin duties, and is set to play more games.
This means more chances to pick up points, and why Smith is over the odds at $9.
