Bookmakers have little faith in recently appointed coaches Trent Barrett, Kevin Walters and Anthony Griffin lifting their clubs above the premiership cellar next season.
The TAB has issued its first betting market on the wooden spoon (most losses) for 2021, with Canterbury Bulldogs favourites at $4 from the Broncos and St George Illawarra both at $5.
Despite hiring Barrett and new chief playmaker Kyle Flanagan from Sydney Roosters, the Bulldogs are expected to show little improvement, according to the TAB.
The Belmore club finished last season with just three wins.
Trent Barrett’s arrival won’t be enough to turn the Bulldogs around straight away, according to the bookies.
The Broncos finished with the wooden spoon last season after opening as an $81 chance to get the game’s most dreaded prize. They are now their shortest quote ever before the start of the season to finish on the bottom.
If anything, the Broncos roster is in worse shape than last season without both David Fifita and Jack Bird.
They are relying on Walters to reinvigorate the roster with his renowned passion.
At the Bulldogs, Barrett says he is not concerned by the TAB’s assessment of his footy team.
“They’re entitled to their opinion,” Barrett said.
The Broncos could be in for another tough year. Picture: Getty Images
“We’re confident that we can improve from last year. After being there a week, whilst knowing we have a lot of work in 14 weeks to get ready, one thing I know is we won’t get beaten on effort.”
This time last year, Gold Coast Titans were $3.50 favourites for the spoon, but are now a $26 chance on the back of five straight wins to finish last season and the recruitment of gun forwards David Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.
TAB ODDS FOR MOST NRL LOSSES IN 2021
Canterbury $4 ($4 in 2020)
Brisbane $5 ($81 in 2020)
St George Illawarra $5 ($8 in 2020)
Wests Tigers $11 ($10 in 2020)
Cronulla $13 ($10 in 2020)
North Queensland $13 ($34 in 2020)
NZ Warriors $13 ($3.75 in 2020)
Newcastle $21 ($26 in 2020)
Gold Coast $26 ($3.50 in 2020)
Manly $26 ($67 in 2020)
Parramatta $34 ($101 in 2020)
Canberra $41 ($101 in 2020)
Melbourne $51 ($151 in 2020)
Souths $51 ($51 in 2020)
Sydney Roosters $67 ($81 in 2020)
Penrith $101 ($41 in 2020)