Wig wham bang, thank you Sam!
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| DEMOLITION SAM: Tomkins is a match-winner for the Cherry and Whites |
IF the last two games between Wigan and Saints are anything to go by, punters can expect another closely fought thriller this evening.
Widnes’ Stobart Stadium hosts this season’s third installment of what is always an enthralling 80 minutes, as two of Super League’s fiercest rivals fight it out for local bragging rights once more.
Liam Farrell’s last-gasp try sealed a sensational 28-24 Wigan success in April, while Saints bagged a unlikely point with a stunning comeback to draw 16-16 in their Cardiff season opener.
So, with just four points to separate these two teams after 180 minutes of action this campaign and level on 23 points in the standings, taking a punt on another tight contest is surely the best way to cash in.
Victor Chanlder offer 18-1 on the draw which is well worth a flutter. These two sides are evenly matched, with four wins apiece from the last nine derby clashes.
There have been a remarkable seven stalemates already this term and, notably for punters, Wigan and Saints have featured in five of those.
That said, with so much kicking ability on show – Wigan’s Sam Tomkins and Pat Richards, and St Helens’ Jamie Foster and Lee Gasklell, to name a few, Betfred’s 5-1 on a drop goal being scored seems to be a stand-out bet and a great way for punters to cover their stake on the draw.
The after-effects of last Friday’s Origin International, allied to difficult playing conditions, were crucial as both last year’s Grand Finalists were held to surprise draws at Castleford and Bradford on Sunday.
Tomkins and George Carmont return for the Cherry and Whites, while Saints’ centre Francis Meli is back for the hosts, though hooker Scott Moore has been left out after he was arrested on suspicion of drink driving.
Tomkins could well be the key for the champions. His performances at full-back are currently in a league of their own.
If you take today’s opposite number Paul Wellens as a comparative benchmark, it’s clear to see that Tomkins gives Michael Maguire’s Warriors a so much more than any other No.1 in the business.
In 14 appearances, Tomkins has six more tries, two more assists, has made 894 metres, busted through 58 more tackles and made 15 extra clean breaks.
Wigan have a distinct advantage in this area. They have a brilliant full-back who also doubles up as a fantastic stand-off. Tomkins has made 87 kicks in general play this term, including two 40-20’s and his support-play ability to score tries, but his creativity to set-up others is unrivalled.
Tomkins is 19-2 with Betfred to grab the first try, while Wigan can edge this by 1-12 points – 15-8 with bet365.
Top Tips: Drop goal to be scored (5-1 BETFRED)
Winner: Wigan (9-5 STAN JAMES), but the draw (18-1 VC) is worth a little flutter
Score Tip: Wigan by 1-12 points (15-8 bet365)
First Tryscorer: Sam Tomkins (19-2 BETFRED)
Super Sinfield will make his point
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| CAPTAIN MARVEL: Leeds' Kevin Sinfield is chasing a new landmark |
Crusaders v Leeds
Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield now needs just seven points to become the second highest scorer in Super League history and the Rhinos legend should have that accolade wrapped up after 80 minutes against rock-bottom Crusaders.
The Rhinos loose forward has racked up 2,370 points in his 14 seasons with the Blue and Amber and should edge past former Wigan captain Andy Farrell's 2,376 to move within touching distance of Paul Deacon with 2,395.
Leeds bounced back from defeats to Warrington and St Helens with an impressive demolition of Hull KR last week and are best priced at 1-5 with Stan James. Ryan Hall weighed in with three tries in that heavy 44-14 success over Rovers, but I'm backing second row forward Weller Hauraki to grab the first try against his old team.
Hauraki is 33-1 with Skybet and a far better prospect than that price reflects. He knows the way to the line and will be pumped up for what is his first outing against the Welsh.
Leeds really need to get their act together if they have serious ambitions of getting back into the top four and, while their defence has been hapless at times this campaign, they still have enough class in attack to win this by 21-25 points at 9-1 with Coral.
Winner: Leeds (1-5 STAN JAMES)
Score Tip: Leeds by 21-25 points (9-1 CORAL)
First Tryscorer: Weller Hauraki (33-1 SKYBET)
Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield now needs just seven points to become the second highest scorer in Super League history and the Rhinos legend should have that accolade wrapped up after 80 minutes against rock-bottom Crusaders.
The Rhinos loose forward has racked up 2,370 points in his 14 seasons with the Blue and Amber and should edge past former Wigan captain Andy Farrell's 2,376 to move within touching distance of Paul Deacon with 2,395.
Leeds bounced back from defeats to Warrington and St Helens with an impressive demolition of Hull KR last week and are best priced at 1-5 with Stan James. Ryan Hall weighed in with three tries in that heavy 44-14 success over Rovers, but I'm backing second row forward Weller Hauraki to grab the first try against his old team.
Hauraki is 33-1 with Skybet and a far better prospect than that price reflects. He knows the way to the line and will be pumped up for what is his first outing against the Welsh.
Leeds really need to get their act together if they have serious ambitions of getting back into the top four and, while their defence has been hapless at times this campaign, they still have enough class in attack to win this by 21-25 points at 9-1 with Coral.
Winner: Leeds (1-5 STAN JAMES)
Score Tip: Leeds by 21-25 points (9-1 CORAL)
First Tryscorer: Weller Hauraki (33-1 SKYBET)
