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 18 (Friday)

Wig wham bang, thank you Sam!

DEMOLITION SAM: Tomkins is a match-winner for the Cherry and Whites

St Helens v Wigan

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

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)

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 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 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