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 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 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)

World Club Challenge

WORLD AT HIS FEET: Sam Tomkins can showcase his talents tonight

Wigan Warriors v St George Illawarra Dragons

WIGAN WARRIORS are fighting to be crowned World Club champions against NRL winners St George Illawarra Dragons this weekend and Michael Maguire’s men will take some stopping at evens with William Hill.

After English dominance in this event for five successive years, Manly bucked that trend by beating Leeds in 2009 and Melbourne Storm repeated the trick at Elland Road 12 months ago. The strength of the NRL and Aussie stronghold on the international scene seals the Dragons as marginal favourites  for this contest – 4-5 with Hills.

However, there is plenty to suggest punters should be backing the Cherry and Whites. Firstly, home advantage, as always, goes to the English team and, in Wigan’s case, that means a sell-out partisan crowd at their very own DW Stadium.

Secondly, the Dragons, unlike Manly and Melbourne before them, have opted not to play a warm-up game on these shores – a fatal error in my book. Wigan will hit the ground battle hardened after a full pre-season and two Super League matches already under their belts.

In contrast, the NRL has yet to kick-off and it is a serious lack of respect on Illwarra’s part to head into this clash without any match preparation.

St George’s legendary coach Wayne Bennett has flown home on compassionate grounds, which is a massive blow to the visitors.

Maguire’s men blew a 16-0 lead to draw with St Helens in their season opener, but cut through the Bulls with ominous ease at Odsal last week and are just too good to turn down at Hills’ double-your-money price.

St George’s man to watch out for is 23-year-old full-back Darius Boyd. A prodigious talent, equally skilled on the wing or at centre, Boyd adds a creative touch to what is largely a well disciplined and workmanlike outfit.

His opposite number, Sam Tomkins, is the best talent in the British game and I expect Super League’s young player of the year to deliver.

A Grand Final try suggests he is the man for the big occassion and, at 12-1 (Hills) for the first try, his timely support play and notorious sidestep could well reward punters.

Winner: Wigan (Evens William Hill)
Score Tip: Wigan to win by 13+ points (4-1 bet365)
First Tryscorer: Sam Tomkins (12-1 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 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