Rugby league betting a popular choice

Rugby League betting has never been so popular. Not only are there ample opportunities for a rugby league bet in both hemispheres, but there is now a huge array of rugby league odds and markets with Ladbrokes, including in-play rugby league betting on selected games.

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A wide range of rugby league bets to choose from

Things have changed markedly since rugby league was born in 1895 when 21 clubs formed the Northern Rugby Union, which became the Rugby League.

Nowadays, the elite UK teams play in Super League and rugby league betting on the televised games is popular among both traditional followers and new recruits to the sport.

The top six teams take part in the play-offs which culminates in the Grand Final, traditionally held at Old Trafford in October.

Since Super League was launched in March 1996, the most successful team for a rugby league bet is five-times Grand Final winners St Helens.

There has not been a Super League winner outside the traditional 'Big Four' of Bradford Bulls, Leeds Rhinos, St Helens and Wigan Warriors but those checking the rugby league odds will note the likes of Warrington Wolves, Catalans Dragons, Hull FC, Hull KR, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Huddersfield Giants and Harlequins RL are all pushing hard to close the gap.

All change for a rugby league bet

Until the end of the 2008 season, there were 12 Super League clubs, but under a new franchise system, Salford City Reds and Celtic Crusaders have been added to compete in 2009.

There will be no opportunity for a rugby league bet on relegation as there isn't promotion or relegation under the new system.

Below Super League there are three divisions included in rugby league betting lists and matches in the National Leagues are equally competitive and entertaining.

The Challenge Cup has a proud tradition and is a big national event for those enjoying a rugby league bet - particularly the Wembley final in August.

Wigan Warriors are probably the most famous team in rugby league betting history with an impressive list of honours, which includes an incredible record eight consecutive Challenge Cup wins between 1988 and 1995 before Salford upset the rugby league odds to end their run.

Kangaroos short rugby league odds

Australia dominate international rugby league betting though Great Britain have won the Rugby League World Cup three times (the last time in 1972). Since 1995 Great Britain has been separated into home nations for the World Cup which further shortens the Kangaroos rugby league odds.

For those wanting an international rugby league bet on Great Britain, the Lions do still compete as a test playing nation both home and away and the popular Tri-Nations rugby league betting tournament also features Australia and New Zealand.

Australia's rugby league odds are invariably short for the Tri-Nations which is no surprise as their club competition, The National Rugby League (NRL), is very strong.

The Brisbane Broncos are among many well known teams who attract rugby league bets each week along with the likes of Melbourne Storm, Manly Sea Eagles, North Queensland Cowboys, Bulldogs, Parramatta Eels, New Zealand Warriors, Wests Tigers and South Sydney Rabbitohs who are fancied to figure in the all important top eight rugby league betting.

The NRL reaches its climax in late September with the Grand Final - a traditional rugby league betting highlight. The winners of the Australian and British Grand Finals meet for the annual World Club Challenge and the rugby league odds have recently favoured British teams who have won the last five clashes.