For an industry that is everywhere in rugby league and often has its companies use plenty of humour and fun in its advertising, we are missing a trick with some forgotten markets in this year’s NRL grand final.
Weather mentions – over/under 12.5 (Nine commentary): $1.90
Some say Brad Fittler is the best sideline commentator when it comes to weather conditions and/or the kind of grass that groundskeeper Willy has been laying down at ANZ Stadium. With a wet track expected, we are sure to get some talk of greasy conditions, slippery balls and no doubt some in-depth analysis of the Panthers’ training with detergent on the Steeden during the week.
While some factor the conditions into the total points market, the real question is how many times can the Nine commentators talk about it on Sunday night?
Buzz Rothfield – Gus Gould-related tweet: $1.10
The editor-at-large of the Telegraph has a long relationship with old sparring partner Phil Gould. He has been highly critical of the ex-Panthers supremo and never lets an opportunity go by to mention the fictional five-year plan.
If the Panthers win, look to Buzz for an in-depth tweet about how it can be attributed to Phil Gould’s absence. If the Panthers lose, he’ll get Gould involved somehow.
Cameron Smith retirement mentions – over/under 50.5 (Fox commentary): $1.90
With Cameron Smith yet to make a decision on 2020, look to both commentary teams to analyse literally every clue in everything that Smith and his teammates do.
Will this be the last time he runs out? Will this be his last conversion? Last refereeing decision? Last bird copped from Craig Bellamy?
The 50 mentions might seem high, but it will be topic number one over the course of the call. It’s a wonder Fox haven’t got on board with Cameron Cam.
(Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
Get it in your same game multi with the ex-Queensland commentator to ask him about it first after the siren sounds:
Darren Lockyer: $2
Johnathan Thurston: $3
Sam Thaiday: $5
Billy Slater: $50
Cooper Cronk: $251
Challenge markets
Either team to use and lose their challenge inside the first ten minutes: $2
A winger or forward adamant that he hasn’t made a mistake and bluffing his captain into wasting a challenge: $2
A successful challenge that directly leads to a scoring play: $10
A challenge directly affecting a match-winning decision: $101
“Can we get a shot of Craig Bellamy” from either commentary team after a Storm mistake: $1.50
They say you can bet on anything these days. What else should have made the cut for the grand final tonight?
Nat
Roar Rookie
Hi John, I had Penrith last night. We had one of our famous afternoon thunderstorms roll through yesterday, it still didn't get anywhere near 12*. I top-soiled the yard thinking we were going to get some rain, now I have to buy some more and do it again. :thumbdown:
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
What’s your tip Nat? Mine is Storm by 12. Trying to thaw out. Maximum temp here today reached 12 degrees!
Nat
Roar Rookie
$50 on Gallen. Easy money.
Walter Black
Guest
News ltd to drag up yet another negative Storm story prior to kick off - $1.01 News ltd to publish a positive news story about the Storm sometime this year - $104
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
“Moylan”? Has Matt Moylan got a gig or are you referring to Erin Molan whose ramblings cause me to select MUTE on the remote control
Cyril Snodgrass III
Guest
At the GF who will be first to utter Rugby Leagues worst ever cliche; "To be Honest" Gould? Bellamy? Smith? Johns? Moylan? Gallen? Sterlo? Fatty?
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
That's gold.
Jack Aubrey
Roar Guru
$1.15. "The game is not supposed to be refereed this way". "Now play that at normal speed and it's a try every day of the week".
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
What price Gus or is it Goose Gould uttering “that’s been a try for over 100 years Just award it”. Unless it’s a Storm try being reviewed. I won’t know the answer as I will be muting the clowns and listening to David Morrow on radio.