Punters’ pride in Warriors

October 3, 2011

Punters’ pride in Warriors

The New Zealand Warriors may have lost the National Rugby League Grand Final but they can lay claim to an achievement of another kind – being part of the TAB’s third biggest sports betting event ever.

Punters showed their national pride by betting $1.4 million on the Warriors’ clash with the Manly Sea Eagles in rugby league’s showpiece event in Sydney yesterday.

The fixed odds turnover result puts the Grand Final match third on the TAB’s all-time list of top sports betting events, behind David Tua’s heavyweight boxing title fight with Lennox Lewis in 2000 ($2.1m) and last year’s Football World Cup final ($1.9m).

The All Blacks’ pool match against France recorded turnover of $1.3m – a record for any rugby match in New Zealand – sits fifth on the TAB’s list.

Dan Carter’s injury has thrown RWC punters into a spin, though TAB bookie Mark Stafford says the All Blacks still look the goods.

“Like Shaun Johnson for the Warriors, Carter’s a player with the X-factor. But all of the main contenders have some issues to deal with, be it with injuries or simply in terms of a lack of form.

“Despite the loss of Carter, the All Blacks still have to be considered hot favourites. Time will tell if punters think the same way.”

ENDS

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