Canterbury are early fancies

Last season's beaten finalists, Canterbury, are the TAB's early favourites to win the NPC first division championship, which starts in August.

The Ranfurly Shield holders have opened at $3.50, ahead of titleholders Wellington ($4). Auckland follow at $4.50 and Waikato $5.

Laurie Mains' return to provincial coaching will create a lot of interest, and the TAB has rated his Otago side as the fifth favourites, at $6.

Opening odds: Canterbury $3.50, Wellington $4, Auckland $4.50, Waikato $5, Otago $6, North Harbour $15, Taranaki $25, Northland $50, Counties $50, Bay of Plenty $100, Southland $150.