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Bookies no Souths fans
By Christian Nicolussi | March 07, 2008 12:00am
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SOUTH Sydney have once again been snubbed by bookies who have rated them outsiders to beat the Sydney Roosters in the explosive NRL season opener next weekend. TAB Sportsbet will today release its round-one markets with coach Jason Taylor's men even money chances to beat the Roosters ($1.80).
Rabbitohs fans will be outraged given Souths only last week won the Charity Shield and, with Craig Wing back on deck, have been in blistering form during the pre-season.
But according to Souths enforcers Roy Asotasi and David Kidwell, they had one simple message for fans: "We don't care what the bookies think."
Asotasi said he was looking forward to muscling up against good mates and former Bulldogs teammates Mark O'Meley and Willie Mason.
"We don't care if we're the underdogs, it's not something we think about. If the Roosters are favourites that's their problem.
"All we know is we're keen to win the first game and start the season well.
"I"m sure Willie and Mark will try to put some big hits on me, and I'll be doing the same to them, but we'll have a good laugh afterwards."
Kidwell, who said he stripped fitter for the Charity Shield hitout, said Taylor had plenty of players to choose from this season which reflected the great depth at the once-struggling club.
"And it's a good thing I don't bet. It's up to the punters what they bet on, we'll just stick to the footy," he said.
TAB Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie said Souths fans would be happy to take the bigger odds and could not see the Rabbitohs earning favouritism.
He said the new signings of Mason and O'Meley, as well as the return of Minichiello, added to the glamour and appeal of the Roosters.
"Souths are once again outsiders and, even though they won last week, they were unable to start favourites against the Dragons either," Munsie said.
"The Roosters do have a good side on paper, but sometimes that doesn't mean much in a game. They did give it to Souths in the final round last year."
Munsie expected the Bulldogs to attract plenty of bets given they were at juicy odds against Parramatta, who will be missing Jarryd Hayne.
Petero Civoniceva believes Penrith are more than capable of springing an opening-round upset against his old club in Brisbane.
The powerhouse prop, who is enjoying life at the foot of the Blue Mountains after churning out 10 wonderful years at the Broncos, said teams always lifted when they arrived in Queensland's capital.
North Queensland coach Graham Murray said despite his side remaining firm $9 second favourites for the competition, his troops were entitled to be underdogs for the Gold Coast clash.
By Christian Nicolussi | March 07, 2008 12:00am
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SOUTH Sydney have once again been snubbed by bookies who have rated them outsiders to beat the Sydney Roosters in the explosive NRL season opener next weekend. TAB Sportsbet will today release its round-one markets with coach Jason Taylor's men even money chances to beat the Roosters ($1.80).
Rabbitohs fans will be outraged given Souths only last week won the Charity Shield and, with Craig Wing back on deck, have been in blistering form during the pre-season.
But according to Souths enforcers Roy Asotasi and David Kidwell, they had one simple message for fans: "We don't care what the bookies think."
Asotasi said he was looking forward to muscling up against good mates and former Bulldogs teammates Mark O'Meley and Willie Mason.
"We don't care if we're the underdogs, it's not something we think about. If the Roosters are favourites that's their problem.
"All we know is we're keen to win the first game and start the season well.
"I"m sure Willie and Mark will try to put some big hits on me, and I'll be doing the same to them, but we'll have a good laugh afterwards."
Kidwell, who said he stripped fitter for the Charity Shield hitout, said Taylor had plenty of players to choose from this season which reflected the great depth at the once-struggling club.
"And it's a good thing I don't bet. It's up to the punters what they bet on, we'll just stick to the footy," he said.
TAB Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie said Souths fans would be happy to take the bigger odds and could not see the Rabbitohs earning favouritism.
He said the new signings of Mason and O'Meley, as well as the return of Minichiello, added to the glamour and appeal of the Roosters.
"Souths are once again outsiders and, even though they won last week, they were unable to start favourites against the Dragons either," Munsie said.
"The Roosters do have a good side on paper, but sometimes that doesn't mean much in a game. They did give it to Souths in the final round last year."
Munsie expected the Bulldogs to attract plenty of bets given they were at juicy odds against Parramatta, who will be missing Jarryd Hayne.
Petero Civoniceva believes Penrith are more than capable of springing an opening-round upset against his old club in Brisbane.
The powerhouse prop, who is enjoying life at the foot of the Blue Mountains after churning out 10 wonderful years at the Broncos, said teams always lifted when they arrived in Queensland's capital.
North Queensland coach Graham Murray said despite his side remaining firm $9 second favourites for the competition, his troops were entitled to be underdogs for the Gold Coast clash.
