Super League Betting Preview: Winning games takes second place on a weekend of rememberance

Super League / George Riley / 27 March 2009 / Leave a Comment

Leon Walker's tragic death is at the forefront of George Riley's mind as he looks at the forthcoming fixtures.

Another tragic week in Super League makes writing a tipping column for this weekend a tough old call.

Wakefield Wildcats host St Helens mourning the death of a second player in the space on six months, after Leon Walker collapsed playing for the reserves in Bridgend last weekend. The first-team game against Celtic Crusaders was also called off, and Wakefield were advised the RFL would support any decision not to play this weekend's game against Saints.

The decision to play tells you all you need to know about the Wildcats' spirit, but coach John Kear told me on Thursday even he doesn't care what the result is. He just wants Leon remembered in a suitable manner, and the fans, players and everyone at Bellevue will make that the case. Having seen how shell-shocked everyone at Wakefield is, I'd be amazed if they can do anything to prevent a Saints win at [1.44]. St Helens were impressive in beating Leeds last week and will carry on that form.

The Rhinos also play on Friday, and even with a few injured absentees should be too strong at [1.11] for the [8.4] Catalans Dragons. The Dragons are unbelievable odds but their erratic start to the season gives you no inclination to back an upset at Headingley. Leeds will miss Lee Smith who is out for four weeks with a bizarre injury. The England flyer has suffered a reaction to an insect bite. Ryan Bailey misses out with a groin injury but there's far too much quality at Leeds to back an upset. You can lay the Dragons with confidence.

Friday's third game looks a cracker. Wigan scored a confidence-boosting seven-try win at Salford and will expect to take that form home to the JJB. But Huddersfield head across the Pennines off the back of a fantastic eight-try win of their own over in-form Harlequins so you might expect some points in this one. The Giants are yet to lose away and are going great guns in fourth place. Betfair customers make Wigan short-odds [1.45] favourites, with Nathan Brown's Huddersfield trading at [2.76]. For that reason Huddersfield have to be the call.

Saturday's game should also be a belter. Harlequins look to respond to that Huddersfield hammering at home to red-hot Hull FC. Hull's 100 per cent record went last week in a shock home defeat to Castleford.

Last time Quins played at The Stoop they put 60 on Warrington. Such is the wonder of the competition this year that this could easily go either way. I expect Hull to respond though at [1.95], but that fact that Quins are priced at [1.91] shows you close this fixture is.

Sunday's fixtures should see Warrington make it back-to-back wins for coach Tony Smith with a [1.15] walloping of winless Celtic Crusaders ([6.6]). This also looks like one to lay. Discipline has been a problem at Warrington and Smith will sort that out. He dropped half-back Lee Briers last week and got a response.

Bradford Bulls are [2.5] underdogs to Castleford but I'm not tempted at those odds. The Jungle will be buzzing and so will the Tigers after that fantastic 19-18 win at Hull FC. They can win this derby at [1.65] and move Bulls coach Steve McNamara closer to the dole queue.

Hull KR ([1.11]) also look a simple call to beat struggling Salford ([6.2]). But all the weekend's thoughts will be with Wakefield.