Melbourne Storm top betting markets as 2016 NRL finals kick-off

TWENTY SIX rounds are in the books and now the final eight teams will battle it out for the NRL premiership.

The Melbourne Storm secured the minor premiership with a win over the Sharks last weekend and bookmakers believe they can go all the way in 2016.

2015 champions, the North Queensland Cowboys, are on the second line of betting despite finishing the season in fourth position. The Cowboys will take on the Storm this Saturday at AAMI Park – the winner earning a much-needed rest during semi-final week.

The only side outside the top four which has been backed in the market is the Brisbane Broncos. Last year’s losing finalists have been inconsistent this season, but hit top form in the closing rounds. Bookmakers have the Broncos at single-figure odds to go one better this season.

2016 NRL premiership winner market

Melbourne Storm – $3.50
North Queensland Cowboys – $4
Canberra Raiders – $5
Cronulla Sharks – $6
Brisbane Broncos – $8
Penrith Panthers – $19
Canterbury Bulldogs – $34
Gold Coast Titans – $67

The Canberra Raiders and Cronulla Sharks play each other on Saturday night, but both teams are still top chances to go the distance.

The Raiders destroyed the West Tigers in round 26 to finish second on the ladder, but either way it would have faced the Sharks in what could one of the most entertaining games of the season.

No other team this season scored more points than the Raiders (688) and although its defense isn’t up to scratch, that should make for an exciting game against the Sharks, who also like to play an expansive game.

Although one team will have to suffer a loss in the finals, both teams represent a chance to win the NRL premiership and the $5 for the Raiders at CrownBet should give punters a good sight.

The bottom three teams (Panthers, Bulldogs, Titans) are unlikely to make the final, but the Panthers will be your best betting option of the three.

Fresh off a big win against Manly, the Panthers have a team good enough to contend at the highest level, but it struggles with consistency. If it can find top form throughout the finals, the $11 to make the final at CrownBet isn’t the worse value-bet on offer.

NRL finals round one match-ups

The finals open with an all-Queensland rivalry game where the Broncos host the Titans. The Broncos ($1.30 at Sportsbet) started the season like premiership favourites, but hit a poor patch of form mid-way through the competition.

The Titans ($3.65) received a boost when former NFL player Jarryd Hayne signed with them, but the Broncos should be too classy and Hayne will have to wait for his premiership ring.

The first of the Saturday double-header sees the Raiders ($1.60) host the Sharks ($2.40). Both teams have looked like premiership-winning calibre this season and the winner of this game will derive plenty of confidence heading into the latter stages of the finals.

Canberra are playing at home which will help its cause, but don’t underestimate the Sharks which have players such as James Maloney, Paul Gallen and Ben Barba who can open up the game at any time.

Another game that is expected to be close follows on Saturday night when minor premiers Melbourne Storm take on defending champions North Queensland Cowboys.

The Storm have been steady all season long with a win/loss record of 19-5 and the bookmakers are still giving punters a great head-to-head price. CrownBet currently has the Storm at $1.78 which we think is good value considering the home field advantage.

We’re not discrediting the form of the Cowboys which are a very dangerous outfit, but its away form hasn’t been great this season and the Storm simply look the more polished outfit. Run the Storm through your NRL multi bets.

The first week of finals action wraps up with the Panthers vs. Bulldogs. The Bulldogs were comfortably inside the top four a few weeks back, but an embarrassing run of form has seen them slip down to seventh on the ladder.

Penrith did well to finish sixth and bring in much more momentum than the Bulldogs. Bookmakers have this line right at $1.50 for the Panthers and we couldn’t recommend taking the flailing Bulldogs at $2.65.

NRL bookmaker bonuses

There’s no reason to not take full advantage of the bookmaker bonuses when betting on the NRL finals this weekend.

CrownBet is offering a great promotion where if you take a head-to-head bet (up to $50) and your team leads at any stage, but loses, you will get your stake back as a bonus bet. That’s great value and it also means punters can sit back and relax if your team hits the lead at any stage.

Sportsbet.com.au is also offering a cash back special where punters can get their money back. Take a head-to-head bet on the NRL finals and if your team loses by eight points or less, you get your money back (up to $50). Another great promotion which covers your bases.

Sportsbet is also catering for first tryscorer bettors. Place a first tryscorer bet this weekend and if your player scores the second or third try of the game, you will get cash back up to $50. If your player scores first, then well done! You have secured a very handy profit.

Luxbet.com is going one point and $1 better than Sportsbet by offering a special where if your team loses by nine points of less on any head-to-head bet this weekend, it will give you cash back (up to $51). Sign up to Luxbet for the increased value.