Events / Editor / 01 October 2007 / Leave a comment

With such a fine record in the Super League Grand Final many will be betting on St Helens to claim their fifth crown on October 13.

As defending champions, the Knowsley Road outfit go into the match as odds-on favourites in the betting although they know that Leeds Rhinos will be no pushovers at Old Trafford.

Including this season, Saints have finished top of the pile prior to the play-offs, the last three times of asking and Rhinos' coach Tony Smith will know they face a tough ask if they are to upset the odds and claim a memorable win in the showpiece event.

Saints have never been beaten in a Grand Final and many will be taking the short odds on offer in the betting for them to retain their title this time of asking.

Fittingly the Grand Final will be played between the sides who finished one and two in the table with both teams in fine form, landing plenty of bets for their backers in the regular season.

Saints managed 19 wins from their 37 games while the Rhinos secured just one less victory and those looking at a handicap bet or the odds on the winning margin may well feel that the Yorkshire outfit can give the men from the north west a run for their money.

Leeds' Jamie Peacock, who turned in a man-of-the-match performance in the 36-6 eliminator victory over Wigan at Headingley, has already stated it will be a 'big task' for them to upset the odds but he and the rest of the squad will be 'up for it'.

If they are to cause an upset and land the bets of their supporters then the Rhinos will know that they will have to keep the likes of Kieron Cunningham, Paul Wellens and Matt Gidley quiet and hope they can give Kevin Sinfield the chance to shine with the boot.

Whatever the outcome it promises to be another fantastic spectacle in Manchester, with a host of betting opportunities on offer, to add a little bit of spice for the neutrals.