Challenge Cup Quarter-Finals

4-1 drop goal could clinch cup classic

LEE-DING THE WAY: Briers can inspire Warrington down back to Wembley

Back from a glorious two weeks in the Dominican and rugby league welcomes me home with a Saturday Challenge Cup blockbuster. The other three quarter-final contests promise to be tasty clashes as well.

Champions and Super League leaders Wigan Warriors are 7-2 with Unibet to win the Cup before coach Michael Maguire returns Down Under to link up with South Sydney, but will have to overcome holders Warrington Wolves - 12-5 Sportingbet to seal a hat-trick of Wembley triumphs.

The Cherry and Whites were my pre-season tip to top the regular season standings, but Wire to take the Grand Final honours at Old Trafford. This should be an almighty blood and thunder contest between the two best teams the country this campaign and it's a tough one to call for punters.

Wire have ran in 35 more tries than Wigan in Super League this term and Tony Smith's defence has been imposingly cruel, though the Warriors have shipped 10 less points themselves.

Both head into this fixture in fine form, Wigan with six straight wins and Warrington five. The bookies are, not too surprisingly, struggling to split the two - hosts Wire slight favourites at 17-20 (Sportingbet) and Warriors at 5-4 (Blue Square).

Wolves won 24-6 at Wigan in round seven and if they can put in a similar defensive effort will not be too far off the money.

I think home advantage and the return of Lee Briers could prove decisive for Warrington. Victor Chandler offer 4-1 on a drop-goal being scored in the 80 minutes and I think that's a great offer given this should be tight, the importance of the game and, of course, the presence of one-point specialist Briers.


Last year's finalists Leeds Rhinos head to the KC Stadium to face their tormentors in the 2005 showpiece, Hull FC.

Surely the Airliebirds will improve on their dire showing in the 20-0 defeat to the Rhinos last week, but Paddy Power offer 4-6 on another Leeds win and the gulf between both sides last week suggest that is the mosty sensible bet on offer.

Leeds are also way off the pace in Super League and the Cup offers what is realistically their only chance of silverware. Danny McGuire can lead the way at 12-1 with Stan James for the first try and a Rhinos win by 11-20 points is 10-3 with Paddy Power.

St Helens, winners in 2006, 2007 and 2008 will also realise that Wembley is also their most likely route to success this season and the visit of Hull KR is unlikely to halt their march into the semi-finals.

Winger Jamie Foster is in red-hot form right now, five tries in his last two games, and is the best bet in first try stakes - 8-1 with Hills, while Saints are bound to deliver with a handicap at -14 on offer at 10-11.

In the remaining quarter-final Castleford Tigers welcome Huddersfield Giants and this game is all about the hosts' in-form stand-off Rangi Chase - 16-1 with Sky Bet to grab the first try of the game.

The Giants 36-0 loss at Bradford last week was a real surprise and I think Cas can rub salt into the wounds at 7-4 with Totesport.

If you're chasing a treble, wins for Leeds, Castleford and Warrington combine at a price of 8.5-1.

Super League Betting Tips - Round 21 (Sat / Sun)

14-1 Webb will weave his magic

FLYING HIGH NOW: Brent Webb is back in great form for Leeds Rhinos

Catalans Dragons v Leeds Rhinos

LEEDS RHINOS are hardly flying right now, but the form of Kiwi full-back Brent Webb is certainly living up to his 'Superman' nickname. 

The 30-year-old has been dogged by injuries in recent seasons, but is returning to the kind of form that saw him clinch a Tri Nations’ winners medal with New Zealand back in 2005.

Webb bagged his fifth try of the season (he has 14 assists) in Leeds’ narrow 26-24 loss at Wigan last week and is a great price at 14-1 (Ladbrokes) to grab the first try of the game in France.

Brian McDermott’s Rhinos, for the second occassion this season, pushed the reigning champions all the way and I think Leeds are a decent shout to edge out an in-form Catalans side.

An aggregate score of 46-44 against the Warriors this season suggests Leeds can still mix it with the best when they raise their game and, four points behind fifth-placed Dragons, McDermott’s men need to hit form soon.

A top-four finish is looking incrasingly unlikely for the former three-in-a-row champions, but Leeds will be desperate to build up some form and momentum for the end of season play-offs.

Keeping Jamie Peacock and Danny McGuire fit is key to Leeds’ aspirations. They look, quite frankly, lost without them.

Both, however, should be in action tomorrow and the away win is available at 11-8 with Skybet.

Trent Robinson’s Dragons will run Leeds close – they have won five of their last six and beat Bradford last time out with only 12 men.

Prior to that run, though, Catalans were soundly beaten 30-6 at Headingley and Leeds have enough strike players to come out on top again.

Both these teams tend to look for tries with ball in hand and have made less attacking kicks than most of their counterparts.

This will suit Leeds most – they were dreadful under the high ball at Wigan.

But Webb, McGuire and Ben Jones-Bishop all looked dangerous against Wigan and that improved display should give the Rhinos a decisive boost for this game.

SELECTION:
Leeds to win (11-8 Skybet)

Best of the rest 

Castleford Tigers welcome the Bradford Bulls and are good value at 10-11 (Skybet) to return to winning ways.

Bradford hoped their win at Leeds would prove the catalyst for a change in fortunes, but defeat to 12-man Catalans shows they still have a long way to go.

Wigan should run out easy winners at Harlequins – a punt on a Cherry and Whites win with a handicap of minus 20 points catches the eye at 10-11 (Skybet).

Resurgent Hull KR, who have ran in a total of 104 points in their last two games, can stay on the
winning trail at bottom club Crusaders – 4-11 with Skybet.

Wakefield, thumped 70-14 by Rovers last week, will be on the end of another hiding – St Helens by 42 points or more is at 4-1 with Coral.

Super League Betting Tips - Round 19 (Saturday / Sunday)

Wigan add Hock to their armoury for Giant clash

BACK TO IMPRESS: Gareth Hock will want to make up for lost time

Wigan v Huddersfield

THE return of Gareth Hock from his two-year drugs ban adds spice to what is already a mouthwatering Super League contest.

The 27-year-old is set to be back on the Wigan bench just 48 hours after the expiry of his high-profile ban, and all eyes will be on how Hock copes after such a lengthy absence.

Hock was banned in June 2009 after testing positive for cocaine, but began training two months ago after getting the green light from the RFL, so will not be ridiculously far off the pace.

Before his enforced spell on the sidelines, Hock had established himself as one of the most destructive second-rowers in the game.

An explosive tackle-buster, always looking for the offload, Hock appeared destined to play a leading role for both club and country.

And who is to say that the Warriors youth academy product will not now live up to his former billing?

Whether Hock can make an impact from the interchange bench against the Giants remains to be seen, but I do expect the champions to wrap up another two points.

Third-placed Wigan are a point behind Huddersfield in second, having played one game less and are 3-10 with Betfred to seal the points that will see them leapfrog their opponents.

Currently just one point off leaders Warrington, it’s fair to say that Wigan are not struggling in the defence of their crown, but Hock can certainly add a new dimension to their game.

There is not one Wigan name in the top 25 players for offloads this season, but expect plenty when Hock is on the field.

Wigan’s game is all about territory and great movement with ball in hand. Wigan’s man in possession enjoys far more options than his opposite number. The Giants rely on a great defence, strong kicking game and the creative flair of Kevin Brown.

But, with Danny Brough out injured, I expect the Giants to fall just short. Nathan Brown’s men have made the second most attacking kicks this term and are third in the rankings for kicks in general play.

Scott Grix is a quality deputy for Brough, but against Wigan you need your top man pulling the strings. I’m tipping a home win by 1-12 points, priced at 11-5 with Stan James.

As for the first tryscorer market, George Carmont stands out at 12-1 (Hills), while Hock is 25-1 (Hills) to grab the final score – a scenario possibly written in the stars.

Winner: Wigan (3-10 BETFRED)
Score Tip: Wigan by 1-12 points (11-5 STAN JAMES)
First Tryscorer: George Carmont (12-1 WILLIAM HILL)

Best of the rest 

Catalan Dragons (3-10 Betfred) have flown up the table of late and can stretch their unbeaten home run to six games against Castleford today.

The French have seen off Wigan and Huddersfield in their last two games at the Stade Gilbert Brutus and Australian scrum-half Scott Dureau (left) is pulling all the right strings.

The Tigers are showing signs of improvement after five defeats in six, drawing against Wigan two weeks ago and following that up with a 15-8 success at Salford last time out. 

Terry Matterson’s side, however, are far too over-reliant on sensational stand-off Rangi Chase, which is making them easy for team’s to read. Catalans look well-priced to win by 1-12 points at 13-5 with Stan James.

Elsewhere, Hull KR (4-7 Hills) can give Justin Morgan a timely boost at Harlequins, while Hull FC should prevail when they visit Wakefield – 3-10 Stan James.

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 6 (Friday)

LUKE-ING UP: Luke Robinson is integral to Huddersfield Giants' challenge

Huddersfield v Wigan 

LEAGUE leaders Huddersfield will underline their Grand Final hopes tonight by becoming the first team to beat champions Wigan.

Nathan Brown’s Giants have stormed to four wins from their opening five fixtures, including a 28-18 opening day success over Challenge Cup holders – and my tip to be crowned winners at Old Trafford – Warrington.

The form of stand-off Kevin Brown, the Giants’ newly-appointed captain, has been inspirational, but the truth is that Huddersfield have been knocking on the door for a few years now.

Australian coach Brown has instilled a fantastic, disciplined defensive side to the Giants game, while the likes of the talismanic Brown, Luke Robinson and Danny Brough ensure the League leaders have plenty of creative juices pumping through their veins.

The Giants, who showed all their attacking prowess in a 50-16 mauling of Bradford last week, are 8-13 with Betfred to beat Michael Maguire’s Cherry and Whites, and I rate that as a stunning price.

The Warriors will be missing two of their top performers in brothers Sam and Joel Tomkins through suspension, while Paul Deacon, Pat Richards and Brett Finch are out injured.

The future of missing centre Martin Gleeson is also up in the air and a home win by 13+ points (2-1 Stan James) certainly catches the eye.

This contest does, however, showcase two of the League’s best defences and a Giants’ margin of victory by 6-10 points could prove a much safer option for punters (13-2 Betfred).

As for the first try market, Danny Brough has two tries to his name already and looks a class act now he has had time to settle in at one of Super League’s big contenders. Brough is 16-1 across the board, while the equally influential Brown is a stand-out 16-1 (Skybet) to round off the scoring with the final try of the game.

Winner: Giants (8-13 Betfred)
First Tryscorer: Danny Brough (16-1 Skybet)


Crusaders v Catalans

Crusaders coach Iestyn Harris got off to flyer with a

42-12 win over Salford in Cardiff, but is now looking to end a run of four successive defeats.

Notoriously poor travellers Catalans should provide the former Great Britain stand-off with the perfect opportunity to set that record straight and the Welsh are good value for the two points at 10-11 with Stan James.

Captain Jack Sparrow look-alike Jarrod Sammut has started the season in fine form, with five tries to his name already, and is 16-1 (Skybet) to grab the first four-pointer of the contest.


Winner: Crusaders (10-11 Stan James)
First Tryscorer: Jarrod Sammut (16-1 Skybet)


Hull FC v Wakefield

THE Airlie Birds came mightily close to toppling Wigan last week, but will bag their second win of the campaign against the Wildcats (1-20 Hills).

A 42-18 thumping of Catalans in their last outing at the KC Stadium suggests Hull should have few problems seeing off John Kear’s rock-bottom side.

Wakey have lost four from five this term and are struggling to get over the whitewash – just 88 points to their name thus far. Nigerian-born Will Sharp has notched up four tries already this season, and can get the hosts up and running with the first tonight at 8-1 with Skybet.

Winner: Hull FC (1-20 Hills)
First Tryscorer: Will Sharp (8-1 Skybet)


Salford v Hull KR

AUSTRALIAN man-mountain Willie Mason made a terrific debut in Rovers’ 40-22 win over Crusaders last week and can inspire Justin Morgan’s men to a third win of the campaign.

Mason was at his tackle-busting and offloading best last week, while Salford, who have shipped more points than any other team, were getting spanked by an injury-hit Leeds Rhinos.

Back Ben Galea to get the first try (16-1 Skybet) in a Robins win (2-5 Betfred).

Winner: Hull KR (2-5 Betfred)
First Tryscorer: Ben Galea (16-1 Skybet)

Super League Betting Tips - Round 1 (Sunday)

DISK-O TIME: Can new Bulls hooker Matt Diskin get Bradford ticking over?

 Crusaders v Salford

A crack at the Super League play-offs is not out of the question for Salford this campaign after Shaun McRae brought in a wealth of experienced players in the off-season.

The likes of Stephen Wild, Chris Nero, Vinnie Anderson, Sean Gleeson, Iafeta Paleassina and Phil Bailey will ensure McRae’s men are much more competitive than last time out and I’m backing Salford to get off to a flyer by bagging the points against Crusaders.

Iestyn Harris beings his Super League coaching career with a four point deficit due to the Crusaders going into administration but, in Jarrod Sammut, he has an exciting talent who can inspire the Welsh to some surprise victories.

Winner: Salford (8-13 Stan James)
Score Tip: Salford by 1-12 points (15-8 Blue Square)
First Tryscorer: Ashley Gibson (14-1 William Hill)

Bradford v Leeds

Mick Potter has included all 10 of his new signings for the derby with Leeds and there is certainly a few interesting sub-plots to this West Yorkshire clash.

Former Rhinos stalwarts Chev Walker and Matt Diskin will line-up for the Bulls, while many are interested to see how Leeds’ new coaching duo of former Bradford men Brian McDermott and James Lowes will get on.

And then there’s also the small matter of official Steve Ganson taking charge after the chaos he caused with Leeds last-gasp win at this very ground in 2007!

Potter has, perhaps wisely, recruited players with something to prove, but it’s hard to see Bradford’s new team clicking together instantly and, though Leeds are missing Jamie Peacock and Danny McGuire, they still boast an established squad with plenty of quality.

McDermott has expressed his desire to see his Leeds team adopt an exciting brand of rugby league this term and where better to indulge in that expansive style of play than on Cardiff’s giant pitch.

Winner: Leeds (2-5 William Hill)
Score Tip: Leeds by 13+ points (17-10 bet365)
First Tryscorer: Weller Hauraki (28-1 Sportingbet)

Hull FC v Hull KR

What a way to end the opening weekend as the Airlie Birds and Robins tear into each other in Cardiff!

Two evenly matched sides in my eyes after watching both Super League derbies between these two in 2010 but, with Sean Long fit and raring to go, I’m going to side with Hull FC for this one.

Loose-forward Joe Westerman is a hugely talented player who may shine further in a new environment, while visa problems rob opponents Hull KR of their major off-season signing, Willie Mason.

Winner: Hull FC (Evens Stan James)
Score Tip: Hull FC by 1-5 points (5-1 Stan James)
First Tryscorer: Kirk Yeaman (16-1 Stan James)

Super League Top Try Scorer Betting

MY OH MY: Wolves' Richie Myler is a stunning 35-1 with Paddy Power

LEEDS RHINOS' Ryan Hall heads the betting to top the Super League try chart in 2011 but, at 10-1 with Betfred and as short as 8-1 with Stan James, I think there’s better value to be had.

Hall is an accomplished finisher. He was fifth in the standings with 23 tries last year, 12 months after leading the way with 28 scores in 2009. The Leeds ace is a physically imposing winger with speed to burn and I fully expect Hall to be fighting it out to be top dog once again. But who will he be up against?

Well, there are some eye-catching odds in this market and none more so than St Helens' Kyle Eastmond. The scrum-half ran in 15 tries in 19 games for Saints last season and, should he avoid the injuries that have so far dogged his early development, the 25-1 Victor Chandler have priced up certainly catches the eye. However, with talk of an impending switch to union still doing the rounds, the St Helens man is best avoided.

Warrington's Joel Monaghan will have to endure plenty of stick from the terraces this campaign after his controversial exit from the NRL, but the bookies would be barking mad to dismiss the former Canberra centre and Hills clearly think the Wolves recruit is up to the task – 12-1 to top the charts. 

Team-mate Chris Riley is also high up in the betting at 16-1 (Betfred), but I rather fancy Monaghan could outscore the 22-year-old. He is quality player who should have few problems settling it at Wolves.

Man of Steel Pat Richards clinched this market last year with 29 tries, but missing through injury early on, Wigan's Darrell Goulding is perhaps a better Cherry and Whites prospect, best priced at 14-1 with Victor Chandler. Richards, though, is still a threat according to Hills - 18-1 to retain his place at the top of the standings.

Sam Tomkins is 25-1 with Betfred and looked a deadly finisher from full-back last term. That notorious turn of pace and side-step should see England's bright young hope to the try line on a regular basis and Tomkins is well worth an each-way flutter at that price.

Another Warriors man, Amos Roberts, is 16-1 with Stan James, but is unlikely to hit the ground running after a long injury lay-off last season. 

Ade Gardner (20-1 Hills) used to top this betting market, but is merely a finisher in my eyes and unlikely to rack up any tries through his own hard work. With just 14 tries last year, I'd give Gardner the swerve and think James Roby - an astonishing 80-1 with bet365 - could be the darkhorse in this market.

Roby managed 13 tries last term with limited game time due to his regular interchange with Kieron Cunningham, but with more minutes on the field, Roby could turn out to be a very profitable each-way option.

Huddersfield pair Leroy Cudjoe (20-1 Blue Square) and David Hodgson (25-1 Blue Square) are also contenders, while Hull KR's Peter Fox and cross-city rival Tom Briscoe (both 20-1 Coral) will also have their backers.

Elsewhere, Danny McGuire's form last year would have made him a stand-out bet in this market and, even 11 weeks away from fitness, still has the bookies running a little scared at 20-1 (various).

For me though, Richie Myler sparkles with value at 35-1 with Paddy Power. The scrum-half bagged 15 tries last season and has a support game that boss Tony Smith should ensure is fully utilised at Warrington as Myler shows his class after a testing end to 2010. 

TOP TRYSCORER SELECTIONS:

Sam Tomkins - Each way (1/4) - 25-1 Betfred

James Roby - Each way (1/4) - 80-1 bet365

Richie Myler - Outright - 35-1 Paddy Power

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