Sharks outsiders for 2017 after drought-breaking NRL premiership

IF NRL punters are right, the Cronulla Sharks fairytale will be a short-lived one.

After clinching its first NRL premiership in 50 years, the Sharks are on the fourth line of betting at $9 for the 2017 NRL premiership.

Cronulla achieved the ultimate in Australian rugby after hanging on to defeat the Melbourne Storm in two-point thriller at ANZ Stadium on Sunday night.

The Sharks entered the game as $2 underdogs with Sportsbet, but had plenty of support from punters, who jumped on the underdog.

Sportsbet has quickly opened its 2017 market, with the North Queensland Cowboys the favourite to climb the ladder once again at $6. The Brisbane Broncos are at $7, while the Melbourne Storm is shorter than the team that vanquished them in the final at $8.

Teams not expected to perform well are the Knights ($251) and the Dragons ($81).

NRL 2017 Premiership betting:

Nth QLD Cowboys – $6
Brisbane Broncos – $7
Melbourne Storm – $8
Cronulla Sharks – $9 @ Sportsbet.com.au
Penrith Panthers – $9
NZ Warriors – $11
Canberra Raiders – $12
Sydney Roosters – $13
Sth Sydney Rabbitohs – $13
Manly Sea Eagles – $13
Parramatta Eels – $13
Gold Coast Titans – $17
Canterbury Bulldogs – $21
Wests Tigers – $34
St George Illawarra Dragons – $81
Newcastle Knights – $251

Can the Sharks win the 2017 NRL premiership?

Many loyal Sharks supporters didn’t think Sunday night would ever happen, but it did, and who’s to say it can’t happen again next year?

The Sharks have a good mix of experience and youth, and we’re expecting players such as Jack Bird and Valentine Holmes to flourish with the winning experience under their belt.

They are losing a couple of key players, but most teams do in the off-season and capable replacements will be brought in.

Realistically, it will be tough for the Sharks to come back and win another premiership in 2017. Greater teams have tried and failed, but the emotional toll of playing outstanding league for two straight seasons takes its toll the second time around.

Cronulla has been through plenty of strife over the last five years, but seeing them win gave hope to the battlers – a tag the club will now try to shed as it seeks to build a dynasty of success.

Will the Storm go one better in 2017?

There’s no reason why the Storm can’t go a few points better in 2017.

Sure, Cameron Smith is getting older with every season, but Cooper Cronk is in his prime, despite a rough 2016 grand final, and he can once again lead them to the promise land.

All that was missing on Sunday night from the Storm was the finishing touch, but on limited opportunities they did well to take the lead mid-way through the second half.

A great rule of NRL betting is to never discount the Storm. They will almost guarantee a playoff spot and with the return of Billy Slater, they will only get stronger.

$8 at Sportsbet is a good price.

Don’t fall for the under-achieving Warriors

It seems like every season the Warriors are well-favoured to win the NRL premiership, but punters are let down time and time again.

Once again, even after a dismal season which included an injury to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, off-field problems for Manu Vatuvai and a clear lack of form for Shaun Johnson, the Warriors are $11 to win the title.

Don’t fall for it! $11 is a ridiculous price for a team which has no identity and no ability to make off-season quality purchases. There’s something seriously wrong with the management at the Warriors, which even new coach Stephen Kearney won’t be able to fix.

We’re not trying to stick the boot into the New Zealand franchise, but we’d need to see consistency through 16-18 rounds before parting with our hard-earned on the Warriors.

What influence will Jarryd Hayne have?

When Jarryd Hayne left the NRL to play NFL for the San Francisco 49ers, he left the game as one of the better players in the competition, despite having never won a premiership.

His return to the NRL was seen as a second coming, but what influence will Hayne have on the Gold Coast Titans this season?

He brings in a wealth of experience at both club level and representative level, but his value might be over-hyped.

Unfortunately for Hayne, a lack of winning experience will plague his NRL career unless he’s able to find success in the coming seasons. Hayne has never won a premiership – granted that isn’t easy to do playing for the Eels – and he has won only one State of Origin series.

The Titans are $17 to win the premiership, which is a good price considering the team it has on paper. Ryan James had an incredible season, which will help their chances.

WilliamHill.com.au has opened some Jarryd Hayne markets which punters can bet into now.

Hayne is $2.50 to be the Titans’ top tryscorer. We don’t recommend this option as Hayne has never been a noted try-scoring option.

He is, however, a chance at winning the Dally M Medal. Hayne is a consistent performer and will certainly be favoured by the Dally M judges. William Hill is offering $9 for Hayne to win, which will give punters a good sight all season.