BETTING BOX
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FIXED ODDS
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2pts double Warrington -6 (general), Leeds -16 (general) both 10/11. |
Wolves in fine form - Rhinos ready to bounce back. |
Warrington v Bradford (+8):
Bradford had some bad news in the week with Paul Sykes out through suspension and they are not the force of old. They aren't as intimidating in the forwards and lack the cutting edge of yesteryear out wide when the likes of Lesley Vainikolo were a real handful. Their halves aren't playing off as good a pack of forwards and you have to fancy a Warrington side who have won four of their last five games. They are at home, are playing well and six points start is nowhere near enough for Bradford.
St Helens v Castleford (+26):
Saints have covered their last four starts which shows just how well they are playing and how many points they are scoring. You have to be a very brave man to bet against them at Knowsley Road and they will win here - but can they cover? A wet night would make it difficult but they can get past the mark again. They are a lot better team than the Tigers and are full of confidence right now.
Leeds v Huddersfield (+16):
In contrast to St Helens, Leeds have failed to cover the start in their last four games which is quite incredible given their quality. They look a good bet to cover here though. Clinton Toopi is back and Kevin Sinfield was given the all-clear after his injury scare at Wigan. I fancy Leeds to run in the points in front of their home fans and start to build some momentum for their Challenge Cup semi-final in two weeks' time.
Wakefield v Hull (+4):
Everyone talks about the injuries Hull have had but some of their major players are still featuring week-in week-out. These two teams meet in the Challenge Cup semi-final at the end of the month and that is a massive game for both clubs. It's the only thing either can win this year. Wakefield have more to play for on Saturday. They are at home and come here on the back of a massive loss at Warrington. They can do well in this one with Danny Brough kicking his former club into submission - the Wildcats to cover.
Catalans v Harlequins (+14):
Catalans have covered the start in the last five rounds and are the form team of the competition right now. They can score points but defend well too and look the real deal. Harlequins were ehort of numbers at home to St Helens last week and they will struggle on Saturday. The start is definitely not enough for the visitors. If Catalans are at about 75 per cent of how they've been playing they will cover the start.
Hull KR (+6) v Wigan:
Hull KR haven't covered their last four games and are usually very good at home. They have lost Clint Newton during the week and Wigan could welcome back Sean O'Loughlin while Tim Smith may play. The Warriors beat Leeds by a point last week, Trent Barrett is still one of the best players in Super League, and with Cameron Phelps settling in at full-back, Wigan can win and cover.
Roosters v Titans (+16):
The Titans are a team who struggle away from home even though they are up challenging for the top eight. They have major injury worries including key playmaker Scott Prince being out with a broken arm. The Roosters will win this but can they cover the start? The answer has to be yes.
Sharks (+4) v Sea Eagles:
My initial thoughts here was the Sea Eagles were specials but history shows this is a ground they struggle on. Their record is appaling at Cronulla and that puts question marks in your mind. I believe Manly are one of three teams who can win the NRL - along with Melbourne and the Roosters. If they are going to do that they have to break the hoodoo at the Sharks and can do that and cover the start. Be cautious though, they have a horrendous track record here.
Handicaps courtesy of Sky Bet.
Preview posted at 1435BST on 10/07/2008.
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