NRL betting markets open early for 2010

Many online bookmakers are already taking bets for next year's NRL premiers battle even before the 2009 grand final kicks off tomorrow.

Betfair has the Eels on 4.50 for next term's title even if they lose out to Melbourne Storm in the 2009 final.

This is compared to current odds of 6.00 for Melbourne Storm to win next year, with Canterbury Bulldogs and Manly Sea Eagles following, both on 7.20 with the same bookmaker.

Elsewhere, Centrebet has also already opened its 2010 NRL betting market, also offering the Eels at 4.50, while the Storm are on 5.00.

The Bulldogs follow on 7.00 and St George are at 8.00, with Manly on 9.00 with the same bookmaker.

St George bowed out this term on week two of the finals, losing 24-10 to the Broncos, with Coach Wayne Bennett surely confident for next term thanks to a minor premiership win in 2009.

Centrebet is also already offering rugby league betting on the winner of the 2013 World Cup, with Australia the current runaway favourites on 1.18.

New Zealand are closest to them on 5.75 with England standing on 8.00, followed by Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Samoa, all on 101.00.

Anyone who fancies a long shot could plump for Lebanon, Scotland or Wales, who are all currently on 501.0 with the same bookmaker.