Super League Betting Tips - Round 15 (Saturday-Monday)

Brown proving his England case with 8-11 Giants

GIANT INFLUENCE: Kevin Brown's form has been key for Huddersfield

Hull FC v Huddersfield 

Kevin Brown’s omission from England’s elite training squad back in February left rugby league fans up and down the country scratching their heads, and the Huddersfield captain has wasted little time in making a mockery of his surprise snub.

In selecting 32 players ahead of Brown, national boss Steve McNamara has instilled little confidence that he is the right man for the job.

Brown has been the best stand-off in Super League this season, homegrown or otherwise, and must be at a loss to explain McNamara’s decision after finishing last season in equally fine form.

The Wigan academy product has flourished over recent seasons under Giants coach Nathan Brown and has guided Huddersfield to second in the standings, level on points with leaders Warrington.

The Giants are 8-11 (Stan James) to win at the KC Stadium against a Hull (tomorrow, 12.30pm, Sky Sports 1) side who are showing signs of improvement – unbeaten in four now, including a 24-10 win at leaders Wolves.

For me, though, the Airliebirds are a top eight finish at best this season, while the Giants are genuine challengers to lift the title at Old Trafford.

With Brown and scrum-half Danny Brough pulling the strings in attack, teams are finding the Yorkshire side tough to contend with given their notoriously strong defensive effort.

In just 14 games, Hull have shipped almost 100 points more than their opponents and a win by 13+ points looks like the order of the day at 3-1 (SJ).

Brough is a good first try scorer option at 20-1 (Stan James), though popular prop Eorl Crabtree bagged his first two tries of the season in the Giants last outing – a 40-18 destruction of St Helens – and is a great outside bet at 40-1 with the same firm.

Crabtree may often start on the bench, but I expect a tight start and he is good value to make a decisive impact from the bench.

As for Hull, Kirk Yeaman has returned to his best form, topping the try standings with 15 scores and eight of those have come in his last four games. Back Yeaman to round things off with the final try at 12-1 with Stan James.

Winner: Huddersfield (8-11 STAN JAMES)
Score Tip: Giants by 13+ points (3-1 STAN JAMES)
First Tryscorer: Danny Brough (20-1 STAN JAMES) 

Wigan heading into Rover drive

STRIKE IT RICH: Pat Richards is a great first try scorer option at 9-1 (Hills)

Wigan v Hull KR 

Bank holiday Monday’s televised clash sees Wigan welcome Hull KR (6.30pm, Sky Sports 1) and I’ve got some bad news for Justin Morgan’s Rovers... you’re in for a long 80 minutes.

The Cherry and Whites stuttered into the Challenge Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought win at 12-man Bradford last Sunday, but have been in empathic form in the recent rounds of Super League.

A 18-16 win at Hull KR in round 10 was the first of five successive wins that total a combined score of 184 points to 62.

Hull KR, meanwhile, have been dreadful on their travels, winning just once this term and that was in their season opener against Hull FC at a neutral Millenium Stadium.

A 26-24 loss at struggling Wakefield in their last away outing suggests the Robins could be on the good end of a hiding by the champions and I’m backing the hosts to secure victory by 41+ points at 8-1 (Betfred).

Points machine Pat Richards is 9-1 with Hills to bag the first try and, though, he may be a market leader with some bookies, there's a very good reason why. It's a decent price for a likely outcome.

In the pick of the none televised games this weekend, Bradford showed enough spirit in their 22-26 Cup defeat to Wigan to convince punters they can gain revenge over Salford at 4-11 with Stan James after the Reds thumped the Bulls 56-16 in round 10.

A win by 13+ points against a hit and miss Salford outfit is 11-8 (SJ).

Elsewhere, Castleford have gone off the boil and are without a win in five League games, but Harlequins are themselves winless in seven and the Tigers will get back on track at 1-4 (Coral) in a win by 1-12 points (21-10 bet365).

Winner: Wigan (1-7 BETFRED)
Score Tip:  Wigan by 41+ points (8-1 BETFRED)
First Tryscorer: Pat Richards (9-1 WILLIAM HILL)

Super League Round 7 (Saturday and Sunday)

LAND OF THE GIANTS: Willie Mason will line-up against Eorl Crabtree

Hull KR v Huddersfield Giants (Saturday)

BIG Willie Mason, as his name suggests, rarely gives little away in size but Huddersfield Giants’ Eorl Crabtree provides one such anomaly.

The Yorkshire club’s popular prop, nephew of legendary professional wrestler Shirley “Big Daddy” Crabtree, stands two inches taller than his Austrlian counterpart at 6ft 6in and looks set to play his part in an almighty clash of the titans down the middle of the park.

Mason himself is anything but popular on these shores after flooring Stuart Fielden and Sean Long in off-the-ball incidents during Great Britain’s 2006 Tri-Nations campaign.

The 30-year-old will no doubt be a target for some of Super League’s more volatile characters and the Giants’ mean forward line will provide Mason with his sternest test in England to date.

Huddersfield, who have enjoyed one of the top defensive records over the last few years in Super League, have shipped just 92 points in six games.

TALL ORDER: Can Crabtree inspire Huddersfield to beat Hull KR?

With Rovers missing their creative lynchpin, half-back Michael Dobson, the Giants look outstanding value at 8-13 with Betfred to outscore their hosts.

Dobson’s boot is integral to Rovers’ gameplan and I expect his 10-week absence due to ankle surgery to hit the Robins hard.

Mason’s arrival is a boost, but four defeats from their opening six contests suggests coach Justin Morgan needs his talisman back sooner, rather than later.

Without Dobson’s kicking game, the emphasis is on Rovers’ pack to make up the hard yards and they are struggling.

And, while it is the clash of the giants in Mason and Crabtree that provides a great sub-plot to this clash, it is Huddersfield’s hooker Luke Robinson and stand-off Kevin Brown that will prove decisive.

Robinson made a try-scoring return from injury last week and his lively attacking play makes him an eye-catching 20-1 with Hills to grab the first try.

Nathan Brown’s men had enough possession and territory to bag the points in last week’s 20-6 defeat to Wigan, but made some poor final decisions against the competition’s best defence.

I can’t see that happening twice and, thanks to their solid defence, the Giants can clinch this by 13+ points at 7-4 with Blue Square.

Winner: Giants to win (8-13 Betfred)
Score Tip: Giants by 13+ points (7-4 Blue Square)
First Tryscorer: Luke Robinson (20-1 William Hill)


Catalans v Salford (Saturday)

IN today’s other contest, Catalans can clinch two points against Salford in France. The Dragons were 32-22 victors at Crusaders last time out and were marginally defeated by Saints in their last home
fixture.

Trent Robinson’s men (1-3 Betfred) face a tough task against a Salford side who romped past Hull KR last week, but the City Reds have been battered in two of their three away games and look a little vulnerable on the road.

Australian Scott Dureau has seven tries to his name already and is sparkling with value at 25-1 (Hills) to open the scoring.

Winner: Catalans to win (1-3 Betfred)
Score Tip: Catalans by 1-12 points (12-5 Paddy Power)
First Tryscorer: Scott Dureau (25-1 William Hill)


Wakefield Wildcats v Leeds Rhinos (Sunday)

Tomorrow’s action should see Leeds Rhinos – desperate to entertain this season with a staggering 113 offloads already – return to winning ways at Wakefield.

The Blue and Amber enjoyed enough possession and territory to beat Saints with some ease last week, but coach Brian McDemott’s over emphasis on entertaining rugby is costing Leeds points.

Too many knock-ons and dropped ball are hurting Leeds right now but, with a little fine tuning, this approach may deliver. On paper, the Rhinos, despite a bulky injury list, should edge this with few problems at 2-11 with Betfred.

Young centre Kallum Watkins is a real talent and nicely priced to grab the first try at 12-1 with Hills.

Winner: Leeds to win (2-11 Betfred)
Score Tip: Leeds by 16-20 points (11-2 Stan James)
First Tryscorer: Kallum Watkins (12-1 William Hill)


Castleford v Crusaders (Sunday)

Early pace-setters Castleford can return to winning ways against a Crusaders outfit who have lost their last five games.

Jarrod Sammut has run in six tries for the Welsh side, but the Tigers have been very impressive at The Coliseum and I expect them to bag another two points – 1-4 with Hills.

Ranghi Chase has been running the show for Terry Matterson’s men, but I’m backing full-back Richie Mathers to grab his first Tigers try at 22-1 (Betfred).

Winner: Castleford to win (1-4 William Hill)
Score Tip: Tigers by 21-25 points (9-1 William Hill)
First Tryscorer: Ritchie Mathers (22-1 Betfred)


Harlequins v Hull FC (Sunday)

In this weekend’s final match, home advantage should prove enough for Harlequins to edge out a out-of-sorts Hull FC to increase the pressure on coach Richard Agar (11-8 Sky Bet).

Quins were spanked last time out by Wolves, so will be up for this one, while the Airlie Birds have looked clueless at times this campaign.

Winner: Quins to win (11-8 Sky Bet)
Score Tip: Quins by 1-12 points (15-8 bet365)
First Tryscorer: Luke Dorn (10-1 William Hill)

Super League Round 5 (Friday)

C-ASH IN: Salford's Ashley Gibson is 16-1 with Hills to bag the first try

Leeds v Salford 

The Rhinos' injury crisis deepens every passing week and Salford will have no better opportunity to grab what would be only their second ever win over the Blue and Amber in the Super League era.

The Reds are best priced at 5-1 with Boylesports and, in the words of Leeds coach Brian McDermott, must be "rubbing their hands together on two fronts.

"They'll be thinking our pack is a bit lightweight and, if you look at the footage from last week, they'll be thinking all they have to do is get near the try line and they'll come up with some joy."

True enough, Leeds' error prone efforts and lacklustre defence in their 40-24 defeat at Warrington, allied with that mounting injury list, suggests Salford are in with a shout at Headingley.

The Rhinos will line-up without a recognised prop, with Jamie Peacock, Ryan Bailey, Kylie Leuluai and Luke Burgess all sidelined, while Aussie recruit Ben Cross misses out through suspension.

Salford, meanwhile, have virtually no injury concerns and look destined to boss this game down the middle of the park. Ian Kirke and Jamie Jones-Buchanan will be pushed up into Leeds' front row and will need to play out of their skin if the hosts are to prevail.

Leeds clearly have enough creativity and pace in their backs to cause problems, but at a pathetic 1-7 with Hills, the Rhinos are best avoided. Salford are the only team worth backing in this contest and decent value at 5-1.

Winner: Salford (5-1 Boylesports)
Score Tip: Salford by 1-5 points (10-1 William Hill)
First Tryscorer: Ashley Gibson (16-1 William Hill)

St Helens v Harlequins 

Quins bright start was halted by Huddersfield last week and St Helens are 1-7 favourites with Betfred to inflict back-to-back defeats on Rob Powell's men.

The Londoners have only beaten Saints once in Super League and will struggle to contain a James Roby inspired St Helens at the Halton Stadium.

Roby is already flourishing thanks to the extra game time provided by Keiron Cunningham's retirement, with the hooker topping Super League's ball carrying metres table – 762 and counting.

The 25-year-old is also towards the top of the offloads standings and Roby's ability to drive Saints forward at pace will prove decisive in this contest.

Australian prop Josh Perry will be making his Saints' bow and will certainly give Quins plenty of food for thought in the middle of the park.

Winner: Saints to win (1-7 Betfred)
Score Tip: Saints by 21-55 points (15-2 Betfred)
First Tryscorer: Paul Wellens (14-1 William Hill) 

Wakefield v Warrington 

Wolves were rampant against Leeds last Saturday and I can't see anything other than a fourth straight win for Tony Smith's impressive team at 1-12 (Betfred).

Teenage centre Rhys Evans was the stand-out performer in that 40-24 defeat of Leeds, but there was plenty of Warrington players who caught the eye, particularly hooker Michael Monaghan.

It seems inevitable that the Wildcats will succumb to a third successive defeat. Heavy losses to Salford and Bradford, two teams who will certainly finish below Warrington in the standings, does not bode well.

Warrington are 15-2 with Betfred to win by more than 41 points and, sadly for Wakey fans, I wouldn't rule it out. The Wire are running red-hot right now.

Warrington's Chris Riley has scored tries in the Wolves' last three Super League meetings with Wakefield and he therefore is the obvious tip to open the scoring at 10-1 with sportingbet.

Winner: Warrington to win (1-12 Betfred)
Score Tip: Warrington by 41+ points (15-2 Betfred)
First Tryscorer: Chris Riley (10-1 sportingbet)

Super League Round 4 (Friday)

A GIANT PRICE: Kevin Brown is a great shout to bag the first try at 20-1

It's been a tough start to my debut rugby league tipping blog, thanks largely due to busy recruiting in the off-season and some surprising results. But having now seen all the contenders in action a few times, hopefully you can all cash in on some decent price winners...

Harlequins v Huddersfield (Friday)

Did any of you fancy Harlequins to top the standings after three games? No, me neither, but I’m backing Huddersfield to bring a touch of normality to Super League XVI on Friday night.

Quins stunned Leeds last week with a well-deserved 36-26 success at Headingley, but it’s worth pointing out that the Rhinos were missing some key names.

Narrow wins over Catalans and Crusaders proceeded that win in West Yorkshire, but 2-5 (Betfred) Huddersfield will provide young Quins coach Rob Powell with his sternest test to date.

Nathan Brown’s Giants boast a clean bill of health and, with the exception of a below-par effort at Castleford, have looked very impressive in wins over Hull FC (20-10) and Warrington (28-18).

Stand-off Kevin Brown just keeps on improving and was the catalyst for all the Giants best attacking moves against the Airlie Birds last week. Back Huddersfield’s captain to lead by example by grabbing the first try as Quins finally taste defeat.

Winner: Huddersfield to win (2-5 Betfred)
Score Tip: Giants to win by 13+ points (7-4 Blue Square)
First Tryscorer: Kevin Brown (20-1 Skybet)

Hull FC v Crusaders (Friday)

Three successive defeats to open the campaign has intensified the pressure on Hull coach Richard Agar and I think this clash is a tough one to call.

I’ve seen enough from Iestyn Harris’ team to suggest the Welsh will be competitive this season and Crusaders are an eye-catching price at 9-4 with Victor Chandler.

Sean Long’s long standing Achilles’ injury rules out the veteran scrum-half and though Australian’s Craig Fitzgibbon and Mark O’Meley bring plenty of power down the middle, I think Hull really are lacking a creative spark right now.

At a short 2-5 (Stan James), the Airlie Birds offer little value and I certainly rate Crusaders as a decent outside bet at 9-4 (Stan James). If you do fancy Hull to finally deliver, then I’d definitely advise taking a punt on a small margin of victory to find a decent price - Stan James offer 13-2 on a Hull win by 1-5 points.

Winner: Crusaders to win (9-4 Stan James)
Score Tip: Back up bet of Hull to win by 1-5 points (13-2 Stan James)
First Tryscorer: Tom Briscoe (10-1 William Hill)

Salford v Wigan (Friday)

Shaun McRae has been given a month's leave from Salford on health grounds and that's definitely a smart move, because a visit from the champions is not what they need at The Willows right now.

Seriously though, McRae should have taken leave on health grounds years ago. Perhaps ITV's Biggest Loser has finally inspired Sky Sports' fattest pundit into action.

I doubt McRae's absence will have little effect on proceedings in this one though, where Wigan, despite a few weary legs no doubt from their tussle with St George, are easy winners at 1-5 with Hills.

Amos Roberts was the best player in Super League before injury struck last term and now, with some decent game time under his belt, he can run riot against a Salford side already thrashed by heavy scores against Crusaders and Saints this campaign. Roberts is 11-1 with sportingbet to grab the opening try.

The Reds win at Wakey last week will count for little against the Cherry and Whites. A Wigan win by 41+ points at 10-1 with Betfred is not out of the question.

Winner: Wigan to win (1-5 William Hill)
Score Tip: Wigan to win by 41+ points (10-1 Betfred)
First Tryscorer: Amos Roberts (11-1 sportingbet)

Super League Betting Tips - Round 3 (Friday)

SHOULD I STAY OT SHOULD I GO? Kyle Eastmond is in talks about a
possible move to rugby union, but has been in fine form for Saints

 St Helens v Warrington (Friday)

I MAY have tipped Warrington for success this year, but it’s impossible to ignore The Wire’s  hoodoo against Saints.

The Wolves have won just one of 31 Super League games against St Helens and have yet to taste victory at Knowsley Road in the summer era.

Regardless of this contest taking place at Widness’ Stobart Stadium ¬- Saints temporary home during their own ground developments – it would be crazy for punters to ignore Warrington’s horrific form in this fixture.

Royce Simmons’ team followed up their sensational comeback against champions Wigan in the opening round with an emphatic 56-22 romp at Salford and look good value for another two points at 4-9 with Stan James.

James Roby and Kyle Eastmond were both back to their best last week and will prove influential once again, though Wolves’ Michael Monaghan is also showing some terrific form.

Monaghan will be at the hub of Warrington’s best work and Tony Smith’s men have more than enough quality to push Saints all the way. Sadly for Wire fans though, there seems to be a psychological barrier that their team just cannot pass in this fixture.

Winner: St Helens (4-9  Stan James)
Score Tip: Saints to win by 1-5 points (13-2 Betfred)
First Tryscorer: Kyle Eastmond (14-1 William Hill)

FAMILIAR FACE: Leeds' Ben Jones-Bishop impressed on-loan at The Stoop
last season and can sink his old pals at Headingley on Friday night

Leeds v Harlequins (Friday)

SECOND hosts third at Headingley and, despite Leeds’ growing injury list, I expect Harlequins’ flying start to come to a sudden halt.

Rob Powell’s men spanked Salford at Cardiff and edged out Crusaders at The Stoop last week, but the Rhinos have shown enough form early on to suggest an upset is not on the cards, even though Betfred’s 1-9 on a home win is far too short.

Brian McDermott will be missing Carl Ablett, Ryan Bailey, Ben Cross, Jamie Peacock and Danny McGuire, but the early performances of Rob Burrow, Kallum Watkins and Ben Jones-Bishop tell me the Rhinos will have plenty of points in them in this 80 minutes.

Jones-Bishop has been in scintillating form, scoring a terrific long range solo try in the win at Hull last week and is worth a punt in both the first and last try-scorer markets at 11-1 with Hills to add to his three tries this campaign.

Winner: Leeds (1-9  Betfred)
Score Tip: Leeds to win by 16-20 points (11-2 Totesport)
First Tryscorer: Ben Jones-Bishop (11-1 William Hill)

Super League Betting Tips - Round 1 (Saturday)

DEMOLITION DERBY: Saints and Wigan clash in Saturday's final contest

 Super League Betting Tips - Round 1

Huddersfield v Warrington

Kicking off Millenium Magic is a repeat of the 2009 Challenge Cup Final and, after backing Warrington to win this year's Super League Grand Final, it will come as no surprise to learn that I'm tipping the same outcome as in that Wembley showpiece.

Mind you, I'm expecting a big year from the Giants and expect stand-off Kevin Brown, fantastic over the last two seasons, to push on even further now he has replaced Brett Hodgson as captain.

Coach Nathan Brown has also brought in Australian forward Luke O'Donnell, who will have a major impact, but it's Warrington who are the team to challenge Wigan in 2011.

Hodgson will prove influential, along with the likes of Adrian Morley and Ben Westwood, while the form of centre Ryan Atkins will again catch the eye. Joel Monaghan should be a real sensation in Super League and he's a great shout to bag the first try at 10-1 with William Hill.

Winner: Warrington (4-7 Betfred)
Score Tip: Wolves by 13+ points (2-1 Blue Square)
First Tryscorer: Joel Monaghan (10-1 William Hill)

Catalans v Harlequins

It's exciting times for Catalans under new coach Trent Robinson who has recruited well and I fancy the French will make a winning start to the new season.

Rob Powell is the youngest, most inexperienced coach in the competition and, if that wasn't enough, he has the weakest squad to boot. It could be a baptism of fire for Powell in Cardiff.

The likes of Scott Dureau, Steve Menzies and Ian Henderson will make Catalans a tougher force than last time out and they'll get off to a flyer.

Winner: Catalans (8-15 Betfred)
Score Tip: Catalans by 6-10 points (5-1 Coral)
First Tryscorer: Steve Menzies (20-1 Betfred)

Castleford v Wakefield

The departure of talented young duo Michael Shenton and Joe Westerman is a major blow to Castleford, though Richard Mathers, returning favourite Danny Orr and Saints pair Nick Fozzard and Jacob Emmitt will ensure a solid spine to the side.

Stand-off Rangi Chase will again be the man to watch and he could have a field day this weekend against a Wildcats outfit that has been in turmoil off the field.

Wakefield's small squad will need all the experience of coach John Kear this term after a distinct lack of high-profile signings due to now re-solved financial issues, but I fear it could be a testing first 80 minutes in what promises to be a tough season for the Wildcats.

Winner: Castleford (2-5 Betfred)
Score Tip: Castleford by 11-15 points (6-1 Paddy Power)
First Tryscorer: Richard Mathers (18-1 Sportingbet)

St Helens v Wigan

A thrilling finale to the opening day of Super League XVI sees a repeat of last year's Grand Final and, I'm sorry Saints fans, it's hard to envisage a different outcome.

Stuart Fielden, Pat Richards and Brett Finch are out injured, but the Cherry and Whites are still bursting with quality.

The addition of Ryan Hoffman ensures the Warriors have the best back-row in the competition, while Sam Tomkins heads a list of young talent that many suspect will see another prolonged period of Wigan dominance.

New Saints coach Royce Simmons, though, has a squad that will be competing for a sixth successive Grand Final showing and I'm expecting big things from centre Michael Shenton.

You can't bet against the champions right now though and that's where my money will be going.

Winner: Wigan (8-15 William Hill)
Score Tip: Wigan by 13+ points (21-10 Blue Square)
First Tryscorer: Michael Shenton (14-1 Stan James)

Super League 2011 Betting Preview

WIG WHAM BAM: Can Wigan carry their sensational form into 2011?

THE almighty conundrum facing rugby league punters in 2011 is can anyone stop Wigan Warriors bagging a second successive Grand Final victory?

Michael Maguire’s Cherry and Whites finished the regular season four points clear of the field and a memorable first campaign for their Australian coach culminated in an emphatic 22-10 victory over arch rivals St Helens at old Trafford to seal a deserved Super League trophy.

And it wasn’t the only silverware heading to those at the DW Stadium. Goal-kicking winger Pat Richards was crowned Man of Steel, while Sam Tomkins, for the second year in a row, was young player of the year.

As if that wasn’t enough, coach of the year Maguire has shipped in the talented trio of Brett Finch, Ryan Hoffman and Jeff Lima from Melbourne Storm to strengthen even further.

Second-rower Gareth Hock should also return from a two-year drugs ban in July and, with an array of young talent coming through, spearheaded by the best young talent in the game, Tomkins, Wigan will be the team to beat.

Consequently, the champions are overwhelming favourites with the bookies to retain their title (2-1 various) and are best priced at only 15-8 (Skybet) to wrap up another League Leaders’ Shield.

Rugby League, though, thankfully, is rarely that predictable and hope already springs eternal for the pretenders to Wigan’s throne.

Firstly, the influential Richards will miss Wigan’s opening fixtures due to an Achilles injury, while neck surgery has also ruled out new recruit Finch early doors.

Other clubs have also been busy brining in new blood to improve their chances, but who are Wigan’s likeliest challengers?

Well, fallen champions Leeds will have the bit between their teeth, but new coach Brian McDermott must be cursing the injuries to England captain Jamie Peacock and support-play expert Danny McGuire.

Leeds are best avoided at 6-1 with Betfred to top the standings at the end of the regular season, but with both McGuire and Peacock set to return in May, that could give the Blue and Amber just the boost they need going into the play-offs. Leeds are 5-1 with Stan James to get their hands back on the Super League trophy and they will have their backers.

With two of the game’s best off-loaders and line-breakers in Ali Lauitiiti and the ever-green Keith Senior, backed up by the support play talents of Brent Webb, Lee Smith and Ryan Hall, the Rhinos will always be a threat.

Beaten Grand-finalists St Helens are forced to pick themselves up after a fourth successive heartache at Old Trafford and, under new coach Royce Simmons, are 7-2 with Blue Square to end that recent hoodoo.

The retention of exciting half-back Kyle Eastmond is paramount to Simmons’ hopes of bagging silverware, though hooker James Roby can be expected to flourish even further after his well served apprenticeship under the now retired Keiron Cunningham.

New signings Michael Shenton and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook will also thrive in their new enviroment, but a ground share with Widness relinquishes Saints of any home advantage this term and that could hinder their League position and play-off chances.

For me, Tony Smith’s back-to-back Challenge Cup winners Warrington are the best value option – 4-1 with Skybet to seal their first Super League crown.

Brett Hodgson will provide a steady pair of hands at full-back, while Adrian Morley and Ben Westwood spearhead a fearsome pack that should lay the groundwork for the boot and creative touch of Lee Briers.

The pace and support play among the likes of Ryan Atkins, Matt King, Richie Myler and Joel Monaghan should also ensure punters are not left barking up the wrong tree. If Wolves’ progress so far under Smith continues, they will not be far off come the final hooter at Old Trafford.

Elsewhere, no-one has been more active than new Bradford Bulls’ boss Mick Potter. High-profile recruits like Matt Diskin, Oliver Elima, Bryn Hargreaves and Chev Walker should carry the Bulls back into the play-offs, but at 40-1 (Blue Square) for Grand Final glory, that’s as good as it will get.

Huddersfield Giants have an astute coach in Nathan Brown, will be tight in defence, and have some fine English talent in Kevin Brown, Luke Robinson, Eorl Crabtree and Leroy Cudjoe.

For me, the Giants (25-1 Victor Chandler) lack the cutting edge to rival the likes of Wigan, St Helens and Leeds, but at 3-1 with Hills to top the regular season standings without last season’s top four, Brown’s men are sparkling with value.

Castleford are 100-1 with Betfred, a price which reflects the departures of star men Shenton and Joe Westermen. The Tigers are likely to struggle, but stand-off Rangi Chase will no doubt provide some memorable moments.

Hull FC could bring the best out loose forward Westerman, but they would still be relying on Sean Long rolling back the years to cash in at 28-1 with Betfred, while cross-city rivals Hull KR (33-1 Hills) could surprise a few people if former Aussie Test forward Willie Mason finds his form. The prospect of Mason squaring up with Jamie Peacock and Stuart Fielden once more certainly wets the appetite!

Trent Robinson has made some smart signings at Catalans (40-1 Betfred), particularly Scott Dureau from Newcastle Knights, which should make the Dragons a stronger force but, just like Iestyn Harris’ Crusaders (150-1 Stan James), they will struggle to pick up points on their travels.

Harlequins new coach Rob Powell faces a baptism of fire. At 250-1 with Blue Square, the Londoners will be happy to avoid finishing bottom, though John Kear’s Wakefield (300-1 Stan James), ravaged by off-field problems, have an even tougher challenge ahead.

Finally, some experienced signings including Vinnie Anderson, Sean Gleeson, Iafeta Paleaessina, and Phil Bailey should see Salford – 150-1 with Stan James – vastly improve and pushing for the play-offs.

Expect all the usual contenders to be fighting it out, but it’s 4-1 Warrington that, for me, offer the best value in the market and can take the champions Wigan to the wire.

SELECTIONS:Wigan to finish top (regular season) – 15-8 Skybet
Warrington to win Grand Final – 4-1 Skybet
Huddersfield to finish top (regular season) without big four - 3-1 William Hill