Super League / George Riley / 11 September 2009 / Leave a comment

It's the final round of fixtures from the regular season and, as sides jostle for play-off positions, George Riley selects the best bets...

"Punters are swaying towards Wakefield at [1.9], with Rovers trading around [2.1] and that to me sounds about right."

Last week's Headingley bruiser between champions Leeds and St Helens served as the perfect hors d'oeuvre for what should be a terrific Super League play-off period.

This weekend sees the end of the regular season with Leeds' win over Saints having all-but secured the Rhinos top-spot heading into the end-of-season knockouts. The Rhinos only have to avoid an absolute walloping by Salford to finish top.

Saints' clash with the Catalans Dragons that is of greater significance in terms of play-off places. The Dragons' wobble has allowed Bradford the chance to clinch an unlikely top-eight berth at their expense if their resurgence continues with a win over Hull FC, and Saints slay the Dragons.

The Bulls game is the big Friday night game and having seen Bradford twice in recent weeks in the flesh, I can't see their return to form nipped in the bud by an erratic Hull FC. Steve McNamara's job may just have been saved by his side's late-season renaissance which has brought four wins on the spin, although talk of Ian Millward going to Odsal doesn't go away. The visitors trade around [1.47] with Hull more than capable in front of their home fans, at [3.3]. Those are unusual odds for Hull at home, but do tell you a good deal about the two sides' respective forms, and I'd have to side with Bradford again. Dave Halley and Michael Worrincy should be okay after injury scares and that will be to the Bulls' advantage.

Leeds are without two suspended England internationals for their final game at struggling Salford. Keith Senior and Jamie Jones-Buchanan are both banned while Captain Kevin Sinfield's cheekbone injury rules him out too, so Jay Pitts will make his debut and fellow youngster Kallum Watkins gets a chance to impress.

I doubt even a weakened Leeds will slip up at the Willows though, and the Rhinos trade around at a miserly [1.15], Salford an [8.0] chance. This could be a shock given the nature of the Leeds team. I certainly wouldn't back Leeds at those odds, but any support for Salford would be speculative rather than bold.

Saints should hold up their end of the bargain for Bradford's play-off push, but beating the Catalans Dragons at home. Saints were wounded by Leeds last week and will be keen to restore a bit of pride before the play-offs kick into gear, and I expect Mick Potter's team to respond at [1.17] with [7.6] about the Dragons. This, like the Leeds game, is a potential shock, but I see nothing in the Catalans recent form to suggest that will happen. James Graham misses out but that shouldn't stop Saints maintaining their perfect home record against the side from Perpignan. The Dragons have never once won at Knowsley Road.

Wakefield v Hull KR is a tasty Saturday evening tussle, with both sides already in the play-offs. Sixth place Wakefield can finish fifth if they win and Wigan lose to Huddersfield, while Rovers need a win to ensure they hang on to third spot, above Huddersfield. So plenty at stake, not least momentum heading into the play-offs, and this really is a tough one to call. Punters are swaying towards Wakefield at [1.9], with Rovers trading around [2.1] and that to me sounds about right. If the Wildcats get their tails up they are a really stiff proposition at Bellevue, and players like Ryan Atkins will want to sign off on a high.

Huddersfield v Wigan looks a cracker, and I'm leaning towards the [1.88] on offer for Wigan. The Giants [2.1] drained last weekend from their Cup Final heartache seven days earlier. Wigan know if they slip up they could end up with a really tough play-off opener and for that reason I back Brian Noble's side to edge it. Castleford will hammer the Celtic Crusaders at [1.03].

Cup winners Warrington complete the round against Harlequins who were horrible against Castleford last Sunday at the Stoop. In fact that is one of the worst performances I've seen from Quins at home, shipping 48 points and scoring none. The Wolves will fancy a big win, and know that if both Bradford and Catalans are beaten this weekend, they too could sneak eighth spot. That would be a steal. But it is possible if Hull are in the mood against the bulls. A Warrington home win at [1.13] has to be the call.

My three tips for the final regular round of Super League, are St Helens, Bradford and Wakefield.

Tags: Bradford Bulls, George Riley, Leeds Rhinos, rugby League Odds, Rugby League Super League Betting, Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors