Super League / George Riley / 26 June 2009 / Leave a comment

This unpredictable Super League season produces an intriguing round of matches with the Leeds-Bradford derby the heavyweight contest. George Riley has his best bets from another weekend of league fixtures.

It was another five out of six effort from this column last weekend, although Huddersfield's shock home wobble against Castleford was not on the menu.

I watched Leeds absolutely hammer in-form Harlequins at the Stoop last Saturday evening and can see no different story when the Bulls roll across town on Friday night.

Bradford were battered at home by St Helens, and once again it is saints and the Rhinos in a League of their own at the top. Leeds are unbackable really with Betfair punters, trading at [1.2], with the [6.2] available on Bradford far more tempting. But with Matt Diskin and Ryan Bailey back for Leeds though, it is not tempting enough and I expect the home side to keep up the pressure on Saints at the top.

Saints also play at home on Friday, with the Celtic Crusaders at [27.0] hardly worth a look. Yes the Welsh side lost only 4-0 to Saints on their home patch at Brewery Field, but given the mood Saints are in at the moment you can expect a big score against the injury-hit Bridgend boys.

Friday night's third game looks like the most compelling in terms of value. Salford trade at [3.3] with Betfair punters, to turn over a Huddersfield side who have spent the week coming to terms with that unexpected home loss to out of sorts Castleford. I'd expect a big response from the Giants, and Salford's hopes will depend on the late fitness test facing their star halfback Richie Myler. If he plays, I think the Reds have a decent shot at making a mockery of those odds. If Myler doesn't make it I expect Huddersfield to strengthen their play-off push.

I like the look of Saturday evening's Castleford versus Catalans contest too. A fantastic crowd of over 18,000 watched the Dragons lose to Warrington in the first ever Super League game to be played in Barcelona. [1.66] for a Tigers win on Betfair is marginally better value than I'd have expected given their terrific win at the Galpharm, and I expect an unchanged side to edge an entertaining Jungle joust. When Michael Shenton, Rangi chase and Mitchell Sargent are in the mood, Cas are great to watch, my only fear is for their fragile goal line defence against a French side which loves to attack.

Each of Sunday's three games could go either way, with Wakefield hosting Harlequins, Hull FC going to Warrington and Wigan looking to end a torrid week with a win at Hull KR. How the Warriors respond to the loss of Gareth Hock and the uncertainty over their coach's future is anyone's guess. I've heard from a reliable source that Brian noble's job was indeed offered to Stephen Kearney. The Kiwi is good mates with Noble and called him to tell him as much. Hock's impending ban for cocaine is a shocker too, and all told you have to favour the [1.62] Rovers at home to wound the [2.5] Warriors.

Hull FC look great value at [4.3] to win at unpredictable Warrington ([1.23]), yet can you back that with any confidence given the Wolves new-found resilience under Tony Smith. This is definitely a contest that could provide any result possible. I expect a home win, but knowing Hull coach Richard Agar as I do, if he gets his players properly primed there could be a value away win here.

Harlequins started brilliantly against Leeds before being overpowered. They trade at [2.2] to win at Wakefield, and are certainly capable. They miss the guile of Luke Dorn badly though, likewise captain Rob Purdham.

With neither of the big too offering any kind of value ahead of what should be routine home wins, my tips this week would be Castleford at 1.66 to win at home against the Catalans Dragons. I like Hull KR at [1.62] to do enough against Wigan, and my third selection is going to be a brave one, backing Salford at [3.3] to beat hard-hitting Huddersfield.