Super League Betting: Saints to tame rotated Tigers

Raj Bains
04 June 2017

St Helens have been a completely different side since Justin Holbrook took over coaching duties

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We're getting toward the tail end of the regular Super League season now, so pressure is rising at both ends of the division. Rugby League columnist Raj Bains takes us through this afternoon's action.

"With players missing - voluntarily or otherwise - the Tigers won't be at their best. With room to wiggle at the top, it's possible that the club have seen this game as a write off for the great good. That, paired with the good form of Saints at present, could result in a narrow away win."
St Helens to beat Castleford Tigers by 1-10pts @ 5/2

Coming off the back of a double-header last weekend, clubs have rebelled against the RFL by resting players this week, claiming that if the league weren't going to interest themselves with player welfare, the clubs had no option but to take matters in to their own hands.

Given that the decision to congest the fixture list was made with an England training camp in mind that's since been cancelled, it's hard not to sympathise with clubs who feel that the chance of injury is being increased by playing too many matches so close together.

Salford Red Devils vs Wakefield Trinity
Sunday 4th June, 15:00

Salford are one of Super League's most in-form sides, and have legitimate interest in cracking the top four and making a run at the Grandfinal for the first time in the Super League era. Playing an exciting brand of attacking rugby built on a base of workmanlike defence, they look well set to challenge for the rest of the season, especially with the likes of Robert Lui and Todd Carney in such good form.

Wakefield, however, have been dealt a triple injury blow this week, with three key members of their squad ruled out for extended periods. Having been playing excellent rugby of late, with Chris Chester encouraging his side to take risks with the ball, offload when possible and attack in an almost improvised manner, this news couldn't have come at a worse time for Trinity.

There was a chance that this could be one of the games of the round, but with how thin the Wakey squad is getting, it'll probably end up being a little bit more straight forward now. Salford will win, and they'll likely win big.

Widnes Vikings vs Catalan Dragons
Sunday 4th June, 15:00

After writing them off for most of the season, Widnes shocked most last week by beating an underpowered Leeds side in a scrappy encounter. They've comfortably been the poorest side to watch in Super League this year, with relegation a real possibility, so coming in to form now would be a fantastic boost ahead of the split taking place.

Catalan, meanwhile, are at their most Jekyll & Hyde at present. Excellent one week and appalling the next, you're never quite sure which Dragons side is going to show up. They've plenty of talent to call on, but with coaching changes taking place and such a high turn over of players year in year out, there's no real surprise that the French club can't find the sort of consistency they need to really kick on.

This might just be the worst game of the weekend, but that'll suit the Vikings down to the ground. Expect the home side to sneak this one on their own patch.

Recommended Bet
Widnes Vikings to beat Catalan Dragons by 1-12pts @ 2/1

Castleford Tigers vs St Helens
Sunday 4th June, 15:30

Castleford have been one of the most vocal clubs in condemning the current fixture schedule, and have responded by resting a number of their key first team talent for this match in protest. Likely to harm and inspire them in equal measure, they'll want to make a point to the powers that be in front of the television cameras, and sitting their biggest names is one of the most effective methods.

Saints, meanwhile, have looked a different side since Justin Holbrook was introduced as coach. The young spine of their side has transformed the way they play, and recognised names like Alex Walmsley have been far better in recent weeks as well. They look like a side who've had the leash removed since Kieron Cunnigham was sacked, and are starting to look like the Saints side of old again.

With players missing - voluntarily or otherwise - the Tigers won't be at their best. With room to wiggle at the top, it's possible that the club have seen this game as a write off for the great good. That, paired with the good form of Saints at present, could result in a narrow away win.

Recommended Bet
St Helens to beat Castleford Tigers by 1-10pts @ 5/2