Rugby League Betting: Three to back in Round Twelve

Raj Bains
23 April 2015

Albert Kelly has impressed with Hull KR but is likely to taste defeat this weekend

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With the cup distraction out of the way for now, Super League returns this week uninterrupted. Raj Bains has been on the money lately, so find out what he has to say this week...

"My heart would love to see this Rovers side go and cause an upset in France, but my head knows the Dragons will be too strong on the day, and most likely by a good few scores, too."

Catalan Dragons to beat Hull Kingston Rovers by a margin of 11-20pts @ 3.55/2

Last week was huge in Super League with all of the biggest sides meeting in some bruising encounters. Leeds continue to impress in pole position, although Warrington are looking to do the double over them on Friday night. Sam Tomkins has confirmed many suspicions by rejoining Wigan from the NRL, and the Warriors should have a fairly routine run-out this round against a Wakefield side we tipped to finish at the foot of the ladder. Teams should now really be hitting peak fitness, and with some of the more ambitious sides keeping one eye on the Challenge Cup, the stage is usually set for the odd unexpected result. That might not be the case this week, though.

1 - Wigan Warriors to beat Wakefield Trinity Wildcats by a margin of 31-40pts @ 4.03/1
Thursday April 23, 20:00
Wakefield started the season brilliantly, winning both of their opening games in an impressive manner. Since then, however, they've really fallen down the gears. Picking up a morale boosting win in the Challenge Cup last week could help their mental state heading in to this one, but make no mistake, Wigan are the heavy favourites. While the Warriors may still be trying to find some consistency, their injury list is getting shorter by the day, which will help them as the season expands in to two competitions. Wakefield will need to start the better side if they stand any chance of taking any points from the game, as their defence has the unfortunate habit of crumbling after slow starts, and allowing in a procession of tries. Wigan will be looking for a ruthless performance, and plenty of scores to inflate their points difference, so expect little more than one-way traffic in this one.

2 - Leeds Rhinos to beat Warrington Wolves by a margin of +13pts @ 2.757/4
Friday April 24, 20:00
Leeds have only lost once this season, in the return fixture against Warrington earlier on in the campaign. Since then, the Rhinos have opened up a commanding six point lead at the top of the ladder, with the Wolves struggling for form and tumbling down to sixth. Wire coach Tony Smith will want to put down a marker against his former side and create a spark in his camp as the season progresses, but that's easier said than done, with Leeds playing the best rugby in the country at the moment. Both sides are known for their attacking pedigree and a laissez faire approach to defending, so this should end up being a high-scoring affair. Warrington will regain their form sooner rather than later, but it won't be this week, with Leeds looking the strongest they've been for quite some time, and they won't want their gap at the top shortening. Nobody is scoring points quite at the rate the Rhinos are this season, so backing them to win this by some distance seems like the best approach.

3 - Catalan Dragons to beat Hull Kingston Rovers by a margin of 11-20pts @ 3.55/2
Saturday April 25, 17:00
Hull KR are undeniably one of the success stories so far this season, with their heavy recruitment in the off season having worked an absolute charm. With the likes of Albert Kelly and Terry Campese taking to the league instantly, Rovers have been playing some extremely attractive rugby, racking up impressive wins. Chris Chester is making a great name for himself as coach, and the entire club looks set for the future, with Jamie Peacock set to join the backroom staff next season. This week, however, they're almost certain to lose. Catalan are an entirely different prospect when playing at home, and with both Morgan Escare and Todd Carney back in the squad after injury, their attacking options are plentiful. My heart would love to see this Rovers side go and cause an upset in France, but my head knows the Dragons will be too strong on the day, and most likely by a good few scores, too.