Bookies Struggle To Split Rhinos & Storm
Super League champions Leeds Rhinos face the best from Australia in the form of Melbourne Storm on Sunday in the World Club Challenge at Elland Road and the bookies are struggling to split the pair, with both Ladbrokes and Sportingbet offering scratch on the handicap market.
The Rhinos and the Storm meet for a repeat of the 2008 World Club Challenge, when Leeds ran out 11-4 winners in a pulsating clash at a rain-soaked Elland Road but plenty has changed since then, the bookies struggling to pick a favourite.
Melbourne just edge the betting, available at a best of 5/6 with Sportingbet against Leeds at a general even money (6/5 best with Bet365), but the Storm will be going into the game with little match practice, having had just a solitary friendly against Harlequins to prepare for Sunday. But despite resting star players Billy Slater and Cameron Smith, considered to be two of the best players in the world, and withdrawing fellow star Greg Inglis at half time, the NRL champions still ran out 34-10 winners in London.
Leeds on the other hand, despite having four Super League games and a full pre-season under their belt, are struggling for form. The men from Headingley are currently with two wins from four following defeats to Wakefield and Castleford and an unconvincing win last week at home to Super League basement club Salford.
The Rhinos will also be without Aussie winger Scott Donald, who scored the crucial try in the Rhinos’ last victory over Melbourne two years ago.
That has prompted some bookies to leaning more towards the trophy going back down under, with handicaps on the Storm ranging from -2 to -2.5 generally.
The weather forecast is in Leeds is for snow and showers, which should suit the Rhinos and should also limit scoring to a minimum, making Betfair’s under 42.5 points a tempting proposition.
Place your bet now with Sporting Bet
