Leeds v Bradford (+10)
Bradford have been extremely disappointing. Last week their first half was good but overall they could not withstand the pressure St Helens put on them. Leeds, with no Challenge Cup commitments, are just starting to build now. They're gaining rhythm towards the backend of the season and I just cannot see how they will get beaten here. They should win and cover. The Bulls have been so disappointing and they will struggle to contain Leeds for 80 minutes now the Rhinos are back to full strength.
Salford (+8) v Huddersfield
The Giants are going to be too quick around the ruck area, too much speed around the edges and the return of Darrell Griffin the front-rower will give them a little bit more size along with Eorl Crabtree. There is doubts on whether Richie Myler will play - he's got a few things on his mind at the moment with contract negotiations. I take the Giants to win and cover the start. They are in a lot better shape and have more speed and options than Salford.
St Helens v Celtic (+28)
I just think it's really hard to go against St Helens at the moment. The return of Sean Long this week gives something to them, though I'm not sure if Matt Gidley's going to play which might take away from their scoring options. Celtic are trying really hard at the moment, but is 28 points enough? I think it might be - just - and I'm going for the Crusaders to cover. I'm not over confident, but I think they might rise to the challenge of playing against St Helens' bigger players and keep the score below the handicap.
Castleford v Catalans
I was a bit disappointed with the Catalans last week, everything was made for them with the big crowd down in Barcelona. Cas had a great win last week against the Giants and I fancy them here. The Dragons have never been stable this year and now they've got Greg Bird out they could be even less consistent. If they were capable of a big performance at the moment it was going to be last week, so I think they will struggle at Cas. Take the Tigers to win the game.
Hull KR v Wigan (+4)
Wigan were very ordinary last week and they had some bad news in the week with Gareth Hock - an outstanding player but discipline is such a big part of the game. I can't see the Warriors being able to turn it around this week. Hull KR are improving and with the cloud hanging over Wigan I don't think four points will be enough. Hull KR can win the game and cover.
Wakefield v Harlequins (+2)
Harlequins have been good on the road but they might struggle here. I can just see Brad Drew and Danny Brough around the halves just being too quick for them and having too many options. Brough has an outstanding kicking game, and their kicking tactics and organisation around the rucks are going to cause Harlequins no end of problems. Wakefield can win and cover.
Warrington v Hull (+8)
Hull have been awful. They've had a start in their last six games and haven't even looked like covering it. Warrington's win against Catalans shows how mentally tough they have grown under Tony Smith and they are more organised and disciplined. Lee Briers might be out but that's not an issue anymore now their structure is a lot better. Hull have been struggling to maintain a gameplan for 80 minutes and they will struggle again here. On the back of a really disciplined win, take the Wolves to win and cover at home.
NRL
Bulldogs v Cowboys (+6)
North Queensland had three players involved in the State Of Origin: two of them may be out injured and Jonathan Thurston is likely to back up. That's a tough call for them, and with Canterbury in really good shape they will be the fresher team. That tips the scales towards the Bulldogs, so take Canterbury to win and cover.
Roosters (+2) v Sharks
The Sharks have been in outstanding form, winning four games in a row, but they lose Trent Barrett through Origin suspension here. Willie Mason returns to the Roosters ranks. Overall Cronulla have been outstanding but they've a young team and this is normally a bit of a grudge match. The Roosters have lost a couple of games in the dying minutes recently and though they are bottom of the standings their form is a lot better than that. They will be well up for this and with players returning, I make them the bet of the round. They can win the game with or without the small start.
Handicaps in brackets are those offered by Sky Bet.
Preview posted at 1200BST on 25/06/2009
E-mail Article 
Print-Friendly
Subscribe to RSS Feed 
Post to del.icio.us
Facebook
