League: Warriors get bookies' nod for round one

SYDNEY - The New Zealand Warriors are the shortest-priced favourites with Australian bookmakers to make a winning start to their National Rugby League (NRL) season.

TAB Sportsbet have released their head-to-head market for the opening round, and the Warriors are heavily favoured to beat Parramatta at home on March 14.

The Warriors opened at $1.36 with the Daniel Anderson-coached Eels at $3.

The only other side to open as short were the Melbourne Storm, who were also $1.36 to beat St George-Illawarra ($3) at home.

The Warriors start the season as clear third favourites to win the NRL title at $9, behind Manly ($4) and Melbourne ($6).

Other round one favourites are Brisbane to beat North Queensland, Manly to beat the Bulldogs, Cronulla to beat Penrith, Gold Coast to beat Newcastle, Sydney Roosters to beat Souths and Wests Tigers to beat Canberra.

- NZPA