Wolves pack a punch at 10-11 handicap
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My pre-season tip for Grand Final glory Warrington are still looking red-hot and I think Huddersfield will get their fingers burnt on Friday night.
Wolves' 48-18 win at Castleford Tigers last week was their seventh win from eight in Super League and Tony Smith's table-toppers sit two points above the Giants.
Huddersfield, though, have beaten the Wire twice this campaign and will be keen to halt what is turning into a worrying record on the road.
Nathan Brown has seen his team lose four of their last five on their travels. A 40-12 hammering at champions Wigan suggested the growing belief that the Giants could mix it with the big boys may be a little premature, while losses at Wakefield and Crusaders should have set alarm bells ringing.
Wolves are 10-11 with Skybet with a handicap of minus 12 points and I think they are worth tucking into to claw back that deficit.
The return of Danny Brough, if he makes it, would be a major boost to the visitors – his kicking game has been integral to their attack this season and his combination with stand-off Kevin Brown would not look out of place on the international scene.
That said, Wolves have a terrific squad and, even without the experienced pairing of Adrian Morley and Lee Briers through injury, I expect them to have too much attacking intent for the Giants.
It's a real clash of styles with Huddersfield's game revolving around the boot of Brough and a solid pack, while Wolves love to off-load with a real emphasis on pace and support play. Huddersfield, notorious for holding on in the tackle, will look to contain Wire's massive pack from getting their arms free and offloading, but it's easier said than done.
These are the top two try-scoring teams in Super League, but the very fact that Warrington have ran in 41 more tries than their nearest rivals, really does highlight their attacking prowess right now.
Richie Myler is a real talent playing on the shoulder and I'd back him to run in the first try at 12-1 with Hills.
SELECTIONS:
Warrington win -12 handicap (10-11 Skybet)
Richie Myler first try (12-1 William Hill)
Hull FC v Salford
Salford are hitting some great form with four wins in five, but I can see them coming unstuck against Hull FC.
This is another contest in which the handicap appeals - bet365 offering 4-5 on an Airliebirds success covering 10 points.
Warrington win -12 handicap (10-11 Skybet)
Richie Myler first try (12-1 William Hill)
Hull FC v Salford
Salford are hitting some great form with four wins in five, but I can see them coming unstuck against Hull FC.
This is another contest in which the handicap appeals - bet365 offering 4-5 on an Airliebirds success covering 10 points.
Hull had won three in a row before last week's defeat to St Helens and have steadily improved over recent months. Their convincing 32-16 win over the Reds in round 16 showed they have more than enough about them to condemn Salford to another defeat.
Tom Briscoe bagged two tries against Saints last week and is the man to back in the first scorer stakes – 10-1 with Betfred.
SELECTIONS:
Hull FC win -12 handicap (10-11 Skybet)
Tom Briscoe first try (10-1 Betfred)
