Tom Briscoe is a surprise inclusion in England’s side to play France in the opening game of the Four Nations tomorrow and Sky Bet make the 19-year-old Hull winger 33/1 to be the tournament’s top tryscorer.
England at 10/11 are being asked to give up a 36 point start to the French in Friday’s encounter at the Keepmoat Stadium and Briscoe is 1/2 to score a try, 8/1 to open the scoring and 12/1 to bag a hat-trick of tries.
Tony Smith’s men suffered defeat against Australia and lost against New Zealand twice in last year’s World Cup and are 4/1 second favourites with Sky Bet for the Four Nations, behind hot favourites Australia.
The Kangaroos head the betting at 1/3 and take on New Zealand at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday in a rerun of the Word Cup Final. Australia at 10/11 are asked to give up a 14 point start against the world champions. A repeat victory of the 2008 World Cup with the Kiwis beating the Aussies in the final at Elland Road can be backed at 6/1.
Sky Bet’s rugby league betting spokesman Dave Sykes said: "97% of money wagered on the Four Nation outright so far has been on Australia, but the Kangaroos look a little weak in the forwards so we’re happy to offer top price of 1/3."
