Super League / George Riley / 22 May 2009 / Leave a comment

George Riley's record in recent weeks shows that fortune favours the brave. This weekend, as our rugby league expert uses his nous to see through "ridiculous" prices on both sides of the Pennines, will you follow his tips for a Bank Holiday profit?

Last week's headline read "Huddersfield are massively under-priced so get opposing them."
Those punters who took the steer from this column will feel pretty pleased with themselves as Salford obliged with a thoroughly deserved win to make a mockery of the odds at which the Giants were trading.

This weekend's action spreads over an extended Bank Holiday weekend with Friday's four fixtures headlined by Warrington's home game against Wigan and Harlequins' trip to St Helens.

I was at The Stoop last Sunday to see Quins beat Wakefield and I reckon they can give Saints a real game too. The London side are trading around [5.7], which again in a two-horse race is a ridiculous price. Halfbacks Luke Dorn and Danny Orr are a fantastic pairing and there is a great team spirit. St Helens may be unsettled by this week's news regarding Sean Long's uncertain future, and had to dig deep to fight back and win against the Catalans Dragons last weekend.

At [1.14] Saints should win, but they haven't yet totally hit their straps this year and I will definitely be floating a fiver on the Quins at that price.

Warrington and Wigan are two of the games enigmas. Both can beat anyone on their day, but can seldom string a few of those good days together. The Wolves ate trading at [1.92] with the away side the marginal underdogs at[ 1.93]. I like Warrington in this fixture. They are very hit and miss but usually raise their game for the visit of the Warriors and I think Tony Smith's side can edge a fierce North West derby.

Salford versus Bradford is a great match-up with the Reds bouncing after their win at Huddersfield, and the Bulls at a real low after a shock home defeat to the previously winless Celtic Crusaders. Bradford are trading around [1.54] which again appears silly to me. Salford are the form side of the two and are really playing some good stuff after a horrible start to the season. Their youngsters Stefan Ratchford and Richie Myler are key and at 2.5 with Betfair punters the home side have to be the call to spring another surprise.

Speaking of surprises, Hull KR have to be one of the stories of the season at the top of Super League. Coach Justin Morgan is working wonders with his squad and at [1.33] they should be the call to beat the wobbling Castleford Tigers. That said, Cas are a really strong side so if they win the arm-wrestle in the front row then expect the Tigers to oblige at [3.4]. This looks one of the closest games of the weekend.

Catalans Dragons go to Celtic Crusaders in Saturday's fixture, and after breaking their duck at Bradford this looks a great opportunity for the [2.42] Crusaders to make it back to back wins. That again is the value call, and although the French side are certainly the call I couldn't back them at [1.5] with a great deal of confidence. Both sides play expansive, entertaining rugby so I expect a hatful of points in this one. It should be hugely watchable.

Wakefield's home derby with Huddersfield is the one game on Sunday and after a terrific start to the season the Wildcats are in a real slump. Four defeats on the spin has seen the players all growing facial hair in a bid to snap the losing streak. The players (and coach John Kear) are not allowed to shave until they net three wins. For their sakes I hope they win on Sunday otherwise they will soon look like a team of Brian Blesseds.

I actually think they can win this one. Huddersfield too had a flying start but are struggling a bit, as was highlighted in last weekend's defeat to Salford. They will want to respond but I do like Wakey at home on a derby day. The team will be galvanised after Danny Brough and Danny Sculthorpe were suspended during the week for boozing on the coach back from London. I think they will edge it at [1.83]. I don't really see how Huddersfield can be [1.47] favourites.

The remaining fixture isn't played until Tuesday when champions Leeds will justify their [1.2] with a routine home win over erratic Hull FC.