Punter puts $43k on Warriors defeat

SYDNEY - The New Zealand Warriors' poor recent National Rugby League form has prompted one Australian punter to bet A$35,000 ($43,260) on a Sydney Roosters victory here on Sunday.

A spokesman for Australia's TAB Sportsbet said the bet was placed on the lowly Roosters at $1.85 to beat the Warriors, for a return of A$64,750.

The Roosters' odds were quickly wound in to $1.60, with the Warriors out to $2.30 for the natch at Sydney Football Stadium.

From an opening price of $11 to win the 2009 premiership, the Warriors this week drifted to $126.

They need to win all of their remaining eight matches to have a chance of making the top-eight playoffs, and are currently paying $15 to do so.

The Roosters are $801 outsiders for premiership honours, and $1.57 favourites to win the dreaded wooden spoon.

The Warriors' wooden spoon price has shortened to $9.

- NZPA