Widnes ---11/4 -Betfred

Halifax ---10/3 -Betfred

Leigh ---11/2 -Bet 365

Whitehaven--- 11/2 -Bet 365

Featherstone--- 8 -Bet 365

Sheffield ---12 -Bet 365

Batley ---16 -Bet 365

Oldham ---25 -Bet 365

Doncaster ---25 -Bet 365

Barrow- ---28 -Betfred

Keighley ---33 -Bet 365

Gateshead ---50 -Betfred

Swinton ---50 -Bet 365

Dewsbury ---66 -Bet 365

Rochdale ---100 -Bet 365

York ---150 -Bet 365

Workington---150 -Bet 365

Blackpool ---250 -Bet 365

London ---350 -Bet 365

Hunslet ---500 -Bet 365

No idea why 'Haven have got shorter odds than Fev; they'd be my dark horse for the final.

I like those odds. They don't put us far behind Widnes. Here's hoping that they get a surprise loss along the way.

Its because as the title suggests its the best odds for the NRC.

People `In the know` will also be wondering why the best odds you can get on Leigh are 11/2. Better putting a quid on em finding Lord Lucan.

Barrow at 28/1 !?!?!?



Skybet actually had Barrow at 50/1 and I went each way on that. Even 28/1 are ridiculous odds. Has no-one seen the Barrow squad??



Doncaster, Oldham and Batley are more fancied

You see, this is how bookies make their money.



Realistically there are at least 4 other teams that are better than Barrow. For Barrow to make the final they will probably have to avoid those teams. Its really not going to happen.

Are Oldham, Batley and Doncaster better ?? Gateshead were tipped by the bookies for the wooden spoon last season - nuff said.



Barrow will be a match for any team in the Championship this season. We have 5 players due to arrive in the country shortly (the 3 Fijians World Cup players, Ned Catic and 1 other - TBA next week I understand). Four of them are eligible to play in the NR Cup and once they gel with the existing squad I'd fancy us against anyone.

Not for quite a few years mate

int he banned any way ???

He is, that's why I went on to post "Four of them are eligible to play in the NR Cup and once they gel with the existing squad I'd fancy us against anyone."

Barrows problem is similar to Fev in that they have no strength in depth and have a good 10 or so players but then are struggling for quality especially when you compare against Widnes and Halifax who have good strength in depth in all positions.

The other thing is that stepping up from NL2 to 1 is a big step and many teams struggle with having to play each week to the best of their ability and why for mine NL1 is the best League as any team from Barrow and Gateshead to Widnes can beat the rest or at least match them for most of the game.

Barrow should do well this year but they will not get above 4th nor will they get to the final of the Rail Cup.

You see, in my post i wasnt including Oldham, Batley, and Doncaster as any of the 4.

Dont get me wrong it looks like you have assembled a decent squad that should be well capable of comfortably keeping you in the division. I doubt you will be challenging for honours this season though, id guess your away form will see to that.