Leeds Rhinos’ odds of achieving a clean sweep of trophies this season, with victory in the Regular Season, Grand Final, Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge are 14/1 ahead of Friday’s Super League season-opener against the Crusaders.
A year after the Crusaders were beaten 28-6 in their first ever Super League game, the Wrexham-based club start life in North Wales with yet another tough opener against the champions.
Leeds have been well backed for another emphatic victory, forcing Sky Bet to move the handicap line to -22 from -20.
The Rhinos are even money favourites to retain their regular season crown and 10/1 off scratch in the Super League handicap betting.
New Zealand World Cup winner Greg Eastwood is set to make his debut for Leeds on Friday and is 20/1 to open the scoring, 5/2 to cross the whitewash at any time, 10/1 for a brace and 33/1 for a hat-trick.
Rhinos flying winger Ryan Hall has been well backed to retain his Super League top tryscorer crown forcing Sky Bet to cut his odds to 4/1 (from 8/1). Hall can also be backed at 11/10 to be the top Leeds tryscorer this season.
Sky Bet’s rugby league betting expert Mike Triffitt said: “Once again the Rhinos are the team to beat but the other clubs have strengthened well in the close season, notably Warrington, who have been well backed to mount a serious assault following last season’s Challenge Cup victory.”
Editor’s note: Odds quoted are checked and correct at the time of writing
