Future betting is a great way to play – you can place a few bets at the start of the year and cheer home a team to win the premiership or make the finals. Now as all the football from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is getting underway, let’s have a look at some of our options.
Super 15 and international rugby
I reckon the South African Super 15 teams may struggle a little this year. The Sharks and the Bulls will be good but I can’t see them winning the final unless they host it. The Brumbies and the Reds are clearly the best Australian teams and are capable of claiming the title. The Chiefs, Blues and Crusaders deserve to stand on top of the betting but you may have missed the huge price on the Blues at the start of the season – I warned you they would be much improved.
Australia will host the British and Irish Lions this year in a three-Test series. The Lions at around $1.75 seem like great value to me. I don’t think the Aussies will be settled enough at the back to get on top of the tourists. Once again, the All Blacks will be the team to beat in the Four Nations and anything better than even money on them would be stealing.
National Rugby League (NRL)
The best thing about the NRL is how it’s possible for any team to make the finals. However, I reckon Penrith, St George and Parramatta might struggle. If you are looking for a dark horse to make the finals, get behind the Warriors ($2.50) or the Titans ($3.50). I also think the Wests Tigers at $2.10 represent incredible value.
Betting on the premiership has a 5/1 field market with the Storm deserved favorites at $6.00. I think Manly ($13) and the Broncos ($15) are on a downward slide, but the Sharks ($10) and North Queensland ($11) are on the rise. The Rabbitohs are going to be even better this year and I will definitely take them at $9 to win the premiership.
Australian Football League (AFL)
The AFL doesn’t have the same depth of competition as the NRL. They have two extra teams, but there are five that can’t make the finals and another four that will really struggle. Out of those with a slight chance, I reckon Essendon, St Kilda, North Melbourne and Brisbane are all too short as it would almost take a miracle for any of them to make the finals. This leaves nine teams to fill eight final spots with Richmond and Fremantle the two considered most vulnerable. Collingwood at $1.35 to make the finals seems like great value if you don’t mind tying up your money for a long period of time.
Hawthorn are favorites for the flag at around $5 which seems like excellent value. Ability isn’t the problem for the Hawks, however, they will want to be at their best this year as their premiership window won’t be open forever. Carlton and Collingwood are interesting propositions at $10 and $8 respectively. Any of the teams quoted in double figures will really struggle to win the flag unless someone like Adelaide or Fremantle, both around the $16 mark, had incredible injury-free seasons and secured home field finals come September.
Remember, if you get off to a good start you can always trade off and back other teams to cover your bets later in the season.
