Rugby League: Warriors favoured for wooden spoon

The New Zealand Warriors are favoured to win the National Rugby League's (NRL) booby prize for the first time since the 2004 season started.

Australian bookmakers SportsTAB have the competition cellar-dwellars as the narrow favourites to win the unwanted wooden spoon.

Currently languishing in 15th and last place, the Warriors are now $A2.35 favourites to stay last despite eight rounds remaining.

Last on points differential behind Manly, the Warriors have 12 points, three adrift of South Sydney.

The Rabbitohs are priced at $A2.75 while Manly are third favourites at $A3 for the wooden spoon.

Beaten semifinalists in 2003, the Warriors' fall from grace has been dramatic.

Before the 2004 season started they were quoted as joint second favourites to win the premiership with reigning champions Penrith.

They were initially rated as $A2.35 certainties to finish the regular season in the top four.

- NZPA