Strange time for a "futures" bet I know. But I think it has some merit. Keen on all opinions.
Have some bookmakers reacted in haste to the latest defeat by the Brisbane Broncos?
Centrebet's Gerard Daffy was quick to declare "they're gone" after the surprise 37-30 home loss to the rampaging Bulldogs. I'm sure he'll have attracted a few takers this week at the adjusted odds of $4.50 to retain their NRL crown - I'm happy to be one of them.
Certainly, Wayne Bennett's troops haven't been the force of old in recent weeks, conceding big tallies against the Knights and the Doggies. But you can be certain that the Broncos will up the defensive effort in the coming weeks and there is still no doubting the vast array of offensive talent Bennett has at his disposal.
The biggest concern for the defending title holders is, as it has been virtually all season, the key spots at halfback and standoff. Scott Prince's season-ending injury has only deepened the crisis for the Broncos, which has seen them bring back former legend Kevin Walters.
This weekend, Stu Kelly - who has been a flop since his big off-season move from Parramatta - gets his chance at redemption at standoff with Walters wearing the Number 7 jersey against the Melbourne Storm.
But look for Darren Lockyer to handle many of the creative moves from standoff while Kelly concentrates on improving the weak defence which has hindered his progress under Bennett.
And there is back-up in Ashley Harrison and Shane Walker on the bench.
While the absence of Prince, added on the earlier season-ending injuries to first-five Ben Ikin and utility Phil Lee are blows, the news that Shaun Berrigan may be only three weeks away from returning could eventually tip the scales the Broncos way. With the intended Queensland State of Origin halfback back behind the pack and the wise head of Walters still around, Bennett's men could quickly become a deadly combination again.
Bennett knew the Origin series was going to be extremely taxing on his troops, who spearheaded Queensland to a memorable series win.
But while it has played a significant factor in the Broncos currently possessing a relatively (in Bronco-terms) unflattering 13-6-1 record, the premiership isn't won in Round 20.
The young - and that's a key factor - Broncos pack will be primed come playoff time and the success many of the rookies like Brad Meyers, Carl Webb and even Petro Civoniceva experienced with Origin football will be crucial to their mental handling of the pressure-cooker playoff football atmosphere.
Even without the inspirational Gorden Tallis, the Broncos pack, led by Shane Webcke and with Luke Priddis still improving, are the combination to beat come the playoffs.
The Eels have been sensational for a long while now, and have tremendous athleticism and pace among the likes of Michael Vella, Nathan Cayless, Andrew Ryan, Ian and Nathan Hindmarsh. But have the Eels peaked? And can they overcome the mental barrier that seems to hit them in the playoffs?
Both the Bulldogs and Sharks have packs that could seemingly muscle-up well with the Broncos. But do they possess the matchwinners in abundance - Lockyer, Lote Tuqiri, Wendell Sailor, Chris Walker (forgiving his defensive blemishes) - that Brisbane have?
We're always seeking value as punters. Here's what I believe to be a good example of that.
PLAY BRISBANE BRONCOS TO WIN NRL AT $4.50 (ONE UNIT)
Have some bookmakers reacted in haste to the latest defeat by the Brisbane Broncos?
Centrebet's Gerard Daffy was quick to declare "they're gone" after the surprise 37-30 home loss to the rampaging Bulldogs. I'm sure he'll have attracted a few takers this week at the adjusted odds of $4.50 to retain their NRL crown - I'm happy to be one of them.
Certainly, Wayne Bennett's troops haven't been the force of old in recent weeks, conceding big tallies against the Knights and the Doggies. But you can be certain that the Broncos will up the defensive effort in the coming weeks and there is still no doubting the vast array of offensive talent Bennett has at his disposal.
The biggest concern for the defending title holders is, as it has been virtually all season, the key spots at halfback and standoff. Scott Prince's season-ending injury has only deepened the crisis for the Broncos, which has seen them bring back former legend Kevin Walters.
This weekend, Stu Kelly - who has been a flop since his big off-season move from Parramatta - gets his chance at redemption at standoff with Walters wearing the Number 7 jersey against the Melbourne Storm.
But look for Darren Lockyer to handle many of the creative moves from standoff while Kelly concentrates on improving the weak defence which has hindered his progress under Bennett.
And there is back-up in Ashley Harrison and Shane Walker on the bench.
While the absence of Prince, added on the earlier season-ending injuries to first-five Ben Ikin and utility Phil Lee are blows, the news that Shaun Berrigan may be only three weeks away from returning could eventually tip the scales the Broncos way. With the intended Queensland State of Origin halfback back behind the pack and the wise head of Walters still around, Bennett's men could quickly become a deadly combination again.
Bennett knew the Origin series was going to be extremely taxing on his troops, who spearheaded Queensland to a memorable series win.
But while it has played a significant factor in the Broncos currently possessing a relatively (in Bronco-terms) unflattering 13-6-1 record, the premiership isn't won in Round 20.
The young - and that's a key factor - Broncos pack will be primed come playoff time and the success many of the rookies like Brad Meyers, Carl Webb and even Petro Civoniceva experienced with Origin football will be crucial to their mental handling of the pressure-cooker playoff football atmosphere.
Even without the inspirational Gorden Tallis, the Broncos pack, led by Shane Webcke and with Luke Priddis still improving, are the combination to beat come the playoffs.
The Eels have been sensational for a long while now, and have tremendous athleticism and pace among the likes of Michael Vella, Nathan Cayless, Andrew Ryan, Ian and Nathan Hindmarsh. But have the Eels peaked? And can they overcome the mental barrier that seems to hit them in the playoffs?
Both the Bulldogs and Sharks have packs that could seemingly muscle-up well with the Broncos. But do they possess the matchwinners in abundance - Lockyer, Lote Tuqiri, Wendell Sailor, Chris Walker (forgiving his defensive blemishes) - that Brisbane have?
We're always seeking value as punters. Here's what I believe to be a good example of that.
PLAY BRISBANE BRONCOS TO WIN NRL AT $4.50 (ONE UNIT)
