Early shoppers are anticipating stunning recoveries from 2008 NRL flops North Queensland and the Bulldogs this year with both teams proving popular with punters.

The Bulldogs crumbled to the club's worse season in its 73-year history following the destructive mid-season departure of superstar Sonny Bill Williams.

Along with the Cowboys, who were ravaged by injuries to several gun players headed By star fullback Matt Bowen and forward enforcer Luke O'Donnell, they occupied the bottom two slots on the NRL ladder in 2008.

But just like investors burned on the stock market last year, rugby league punters expect a "bounce back" from both clubs who are surprisingly high up in bookmakers opening markets 45 days out from the 2009 season kick off.

The Bulldogs, $34 into $29, have raided the Broncos stable signing classy hooker Michael Ennis, Origin prop Ben Hannant and workaholic lock David Stagg along with experienced halfback Brett Kimmorley and incoming coach Kevin Moore in order to turn their fortunes around in 2009.

The Cowboys, $13 into $12, have been busy securing the services of Melbourne's Antonio Kaufusi, Tongan World Cup player Manase Manuokafoa, ex-Bulldog Willie Tonga and South Sydney back Shannon Hegarty.

They've also snared the hottest coach in the game, Neil Henry, and regained the services of highly respected strength and conditioner Billy Johnstone, both key members of Queensland coach Mal Meninga State of Origin staff.

North Queensland endured a horror 2008 with Bowen and O'Donnell missing much of the year injured.

They also lost strike forward Carl Webb to injury and went without champion halfback Johnathan Thurston for long periods while he was on representative duties or injured.

With a full roster on the park, punters expect the Cowboys to give the premiership a real shake.

"It's not often you have two teams who finished last and second last so well backed to win the premiership," said Sportingbet Australia's Bill Richmond.

"But the Cowboys have recruited some quality after they were cruelled last year by injuries.

"Changing coaches mid-season didn't help their cause much either."

Richmond said Wayne Bennett's shift to the St George Illawarra had instilled confidence in Dragon supporters desperate for a premiership win.

"They are into $15 to win the premiership. We've written twice as many bets on them as any other team which could be because of the Bennett factor," Richmond said.

"We're happy to lay them at that, we can't see them winning."

Manly are early favourites at $4.25 ahead of Melbourne at $5.50, Cronulla at $9 and Brisbane and the New Zealand Warriors next at $11.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP