Free rugby league betting tips: Ian Millward previews the Super League & NRL action

Super 8s

Wakefield v Wigan – Saturday, 1515 BST, Sky Sports Arena & Main Event

It’s one apiece between these two this season but the third meeting will only mean something if Saints blow it on Friday night and I can’t see that happening.

I was really disappointed with Wigan last week (losing 38-20 to Castleford). They had started to get into some form and looked to be on the charge towards Old Trafford. Cas had two key men out and to concede that many points at home was extremely disappointing.

In previous years in Super League, Wigan have had the wood on Wakefield.

Wakefield have been gritty and good at home and when they have lost it’s often been by a small number of points.

I’d expect another tough, gritty performance and they may actually win the game. Wigan will likely give away a start but Trinity could be a bet.

Salford v St Helens – Thursday, 2000 BST, Sky Sports Arena & Main Event

This match will have a massive effect on all the other games this week. A Saints win will see them make the play-offs and if they do win it could cause some teams later in the weekend to lose intensity because of the lack of things at stake.

None of that is good news for punters and the bookies are clued up too with not many handicap markets priced up yet. I’ll do my best to give my views without the figures.

In short, Saints should win here. Salford have won just two of their last 13. Ben Barba is now getting in to some form. His combination with Jonny Lomax are working well and they seem to have more attacking options as a result.

They are playing consistent rugby and look a greater threat at the moment than they did earlier in the season.

They have more to play for here and do look like they’ve got more wins in them.

I like the way the coach (Justin Holbrook) has made some statements about key players like Matty Smith and Kyle Amor to keep them on their toes and I expect them to win and likely cover the start, thus securing their place in the top four.

Castleford v Hull – Friday, 2000 BST, Sky Sports Arena & Main Event

Castleford have now won five in a row but people should take note that Hull have won two of the three fixtures this year against them.

I liked the way Hull ground out a win last week. For me they still look a bit fatigued from their Challenge Cup victory but they are finding ways to stay in games and I believe if they play to win they can beat Cas here.

This may be a game Cas need to lose if they are to win the competition.

Hull play an uncompromising game. They’ve shown they can win big games in the Challenge Cup and they were also premiers last year before losing in the play-offs. I think they could be the best bet of the round.

Huddersfield v Leeds – Friday, 2000 BST

I’ve been really impressed by the way Leeds and Castleford have had the ability, even though they wrapped up the top two spots a long time ago, to maintain their form.

Leeds have got the confidence in their combinations and the key for them will be how they defend. If they defend well, they will cover the likely mark here.

Huddersfield went well in the middle part of the season but they’ve lost their last three and I expect them to end their season with another defeat.

The Qualifiers

Catalans v Widnes (Saturday, 1715 BST, Sky Sports Arena) is the only game with anything at stake this week but there’s certainly a lot to play for.

The winner will play in Super League next season; the loser heads to the Million Pound Game where they will face Leigh.

Catalans have a lot of things in their favour. They’ve won the last three games and last week scored two converted tries in the last 10 minutes to get home against Hull KR.

They are still not in their best form but confidence is growing with each win and they are at home.

Widnes have also been playing well, winning four of their last five, but Lloyd White at hooker and full-back Rhys Hanbury being out are massive blows for them.

When those two didn’t play during the year they went into a downward spiral. I think they will lack fluency in attack and I’d exect Catalans to win and probably cover too.

The other game I’ll mention is Warrington v Hull KR (Saturday, 1500 BST).

Warrington ran in 68 points last week and were outstanding.

Several players, plus coach Tony Smith, will be saying their farewells and so I think they’ll have a lot more to play for.

Hull KR have now sent a lot of players for operations as they prepare for Super League next year after one last effort last week.

Warrington could well be worth siding with here.

NRL

Melbourne v Brisbane – Friday, 1055 BST, Premier Sports

Melbourne’s home record is impeccable, they’ve had a week off to freshen up and they’re at full strength.

Brisbane were very tough last week but it was a very demanding game. Darius Boyd, their skipper, returns and that’s enormous for them.

However, they’ve got a smaller pack than Melbourne and I’m expecting the Storm to plough through the middle and Brisbane to suffer some wear and tear as the game goes on.

Melbourne are the best defensive team in the comp and I think they will be too big in the forwards in this one.

Sydney v North Queensland – Saturday, 1040 BST, Premier Sports

Like Melbourne, the Roosters had last week off and are at full strength with no injury problems.

The Cowboys fell into the play-offs after losing five of six but they’ve now won two on the spin. Their defence has been outstanding and they had the best completion rate of any team in the NRL to keep them in the game.

However, they will be feeling it and I think this may be one game too far. They did a lot of defending last week and the Roosters can get them this week.

It’s Sydney to win and meet Melbourne in the Grand Final for me.

Best bet (handicaps permitting): Hull, Warrington and Catalans all to win

Posted at 1520 BST on 21/09/17.

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