Super League / George Riley / 25 September 2009 / Leave a comment

George Riley selects the best bets before teams compete for the right to be selected for a semi-final date with Leeds. But if you listen to George on the radio on Sunday morning you might you find out who Leeds want to play sooner than expected...

The controversial “clubcall” element is eagerly-anticipated yet not completely well received in rugby league circles.

Super League breaks new ground this weekend with the first ever "clubcall" announcement, which gives champions Leeds the opportunity to select their opponents in next weekend's play-off semis.

The Rhinos earned that right with a top-place finish coupled with their opening round win over Hull KR, and will now select from the winners of this weekend's two preliminary semi-finals.

Huddersfield host the in-form Catalans Dragons on Friday night, Wigan go to Hull KR on Saturday, with both Leeds and St Helens sitting at home with their feet up ahead of the last four next weekend.

The controversial "clubcall" element is eagerly-anticipated yet not completely well received in rugby league circles. Leading lights such as Jon Wilkin and Jamie Peacock have already blasted the RFL for a "gimmick too far", and Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington's agreed to come on my 5live breakfast programme on Sunday morning to preview his announcement. Wonder if I can coax it out of him a few hours early?!

Either way, none of the four clubs in action this weekend will give a hoot about Leeds' dilemmas. It's win or bust in these two eliminators, with beaten Cup finalists Huddersfield wary of a roaring Dragons side in West Yorkshire.

The French team looked set to miss out on the play-offs prior to a forceful late-season rally that brought victory at St Helens on the final day to clinch their place. Last weekend's win at Wakefield went against the odds, and key forward Jamal Fakir returns to boost the Dragons this weekend. Their coach Kevin Walters has accused Huddersfield of using "wrestling tactics" this season and has already spoken to the referees' chief to voice his displeasure. That will ensure a fiery contest and Giants coach Nathan Brown has to get his guys firing again amidst a post Challenge Cup final slump.

Scott Moore and prop Keith Mason are recalled after suspensions for boozing with Mickey Rourke. The home side are trading around [1.41] with Betfair punters. The Dragons are available at [3.75]. I make it a much closer call than that, no way the Catalans should be those odds.

That said, I'm tipping Huddersfield to edge a bruiser. If it comes down to the tactical nous of the coaches, then Nathan Brown should hold sway. A tremendous leader, he will have the Giants prepared to perform in from of their own fans, and I still back them to edge it, despite recent form being firmly with the Dragons.

Brian Noble is the man with the playoff midas touch, The Wigan coach has an uncanny ability to get his side firing in the end-of-season knockouts, and that Cup-final mentality was again on show in knocking out a tenacious Castleford Tigers side.

Wigan visit a Hull KR side reeling from the horrific leg break suffered by centre Chev Walker in last week's defeat at Leeds. Chev has been in the Leeds General Infirmary all week and is staying positive about his future in the sport after the sickening injury.

Rovers were walloped at Leeds but were significantly under-strength and this week have Shaun Briscoe, Ben Galea, Scotty Murrell and Jake Webster all fit which is a massive boost. Coach Justin Morgan predicted at the start of the season that his side can be champions. Win this, and they're just 160 minutes away. Rovers trade at [2.1], with Betfair punters marking up Wigan around [1.97]. That's about right for me, this is a really tough one to call. With all their big boys back, Hull will fancy this, no question. It's a toss of a coin job but I would suggest it takes a bold man to back against Brian Noble in any play-off game. So I side with Wigan.

So if Wigan and Huddersfield progress, then Leeds get the choice of the two in Sunday's clubcall announcement. In that eventuality I expect the Rhinos to opt to invite Huddersfield to Headingley.

I'm tipping are Wigan at [1.97] and Huddersfield at [1.41]. I expect Leeds to select the winners of Huddersfield / Catalans for their semi-final opponents. Should be some weekend...

Tags: Brian Noble, Hull KR, Rugby League betting odds, Rugby League betting tips, Super League betting tips, Wigan Warriors