Super League Play-offs: Bulls buoyed by scheduling clash

Rugby League / George Riley / 11 September 2008 / Leave a Comment

The Super League play-offs will open in bruising fashion this weekend, with two real blood and thunder sudden-death showdowns, says George Riley.

Wigan coach Brian Noble is the man with knockout rugby league pedigree. A Grand Final winner with Bradford, Nobby will expect his Warriors to justify their favouritism of p1.78] on Betfair to knock his former employers out of the playoffs at the first hurdle.

Wigan welcome back Gareth Hock from a 5-match ban and he will add massive impact to the back row. The Warriors also have a huge psychological advantage having knocked the Bulls out this time last year in extraordinary fashion - 31-30 - overturning a 30-6 deficit with a stunning 25 unanswered points in as many minutes.

Wigan made it to the final eliminator last year, and with playmaker Trent Barrett determined to sign off on a high, and Richards, Phelps and Carmont sparkling in the run-in, they do justify their start as favourites.

An extraordinary scheduling problem though could well give Bradford the spark they are after. A clash with their football neighbours means Wigan's home advantage and fervent JJB support will instead move to Widnes ... and that will buoy the Bulls who will fly out of the blocks. It has also angered the Wigan players, so their response could be interesting,
Bradford to score the games first points at [6.0] on Betfair, via a penalty, looks outstanding value, especially if the pinpoint boot of Paul Deacon passes a fitness test. Bulls can be backed at 2.4 on Betfair to win the contest outright but I still expect Wigan to be too good, even away from the JJB.

That said, a lot could depend on a shock Bulls return for forward Glenn Morrison - whose season-ending injury seems to have been overcome ahead of schedule. The Aussie was moving freely enough in the warm-up at Castleford last week but he'll be well short of match fitness.

I expect Bradford to fire up at the start, perhaps lead through a penalty, but look at Wigan (1.8) to run in the games first try - 11-20 minutes for the first touchdown looks decent value at [3.25] on Betfair, or if the game turns physical upfront, a 21-30 minute first score at [5.3] looks a good shout.

I expect a tough contest but Brian Noble should guide Wigan through against his old club.

On Saturday Catalan Dragons are firm frontrunners (1.3) to eliminate wayward Warrington in Perpignan.

Rewind a couple of months amidst the freshly-instilled Jimmy Lowes feel-good factor, and I was tipping the Wolves as the side to threaten the big two of Leeds and St Helens for a Grand Final place. Lowes won 7 of his first 8 games.

Warrington were nailed on for a home tie and looked a real banana skin for the rest of the top six. But four defeats to end the season included shipping ten tries to bottom club Castleford and being booed off by their own fans.

Perpignan is a hugely hostile place to go. Warrington have never won there and were humiliated 52-14 in June. I can't see the tide turning, especially with the loss through suspension of impact prop Rob Parker. Stand-off Lee Briers could miss out with his dodgy knee and the Wolves have fresh worries over inspirational captain Adrian Morley (stomach) and prop Paul Rauhihi (back). Even if they are patched up and put out on the park, it looks a huge ask.

Some hope of a Warrington winning return comes with Catalans having lost their last two games - but that came after securing third spot in Super League, with the foot off the gas and the minds elsewhere.

The first try will come early - either in the first ten minutes (1.7), or ensuing ten (3), and the home side should hold sway by a couple of scores. (under 12.5 points at [2.2] on Betfair, over 12.5 at [1.7])

Expect The Catalan Dragons to be preparing for the visit of Wigan, or if you're feeling adventurous - Bradford, in week two.