Rugby League Preview 2009

It doesn't seem five minutes since the World cup final and here we are on the verge of a new season. I'm looking forward to it immensely and hope to turn in a decent profit. As far as Priceform goes I'll be sticking to the formula of providing handicap and match odds advice when the prices on offer differ from my own tissue enough to induce a wager. On top of that I'll be seeding the Betfair markets, trying to get layed at what I perceive as poor prices.
 
As far as Super League is concerned there has been a gradual evening up of teams since the introduction of the salary cap and on their day I expect any of the teams to be capable of turning each other over. Team news and motivation are big factors and you perhaps have to get inside the mind of the coach to see if a particular team is targeting a big performance. Take Leeds last season who talked of nothing but the World Club Championship in the early weeks. They duly turned Melbourne over but the week later they bounced big style with a hammering at bottom of the table Castleford. Another example was Hull winning the Challenge Cup semi final before crashing down to earth with a hammering at Wigan.
The great thing about big performances is that the bookies tend to over-react but it pays to keep a level head and give a general assessment of a team's ability in producing your tissue. It is rare that teams put back-to-back performances together.
 
I can see a lot of improvements in a lot of the Super League squads whilst one or two are looking lightweight. The two promoted sides, Celtic and Salford, have not had to go crazy in the transfer market with the threat of relegation removed and I think those two will struggle looking at their squads. Wakefield, too, after a bright start ended their season poorly and I don't see many top quality signings to change things.
 
Leeds long junior production line will ensure once again they are there or thereabouts and St.Helens also look to have some bright youngsters. Injuries could well test the Saints though who have lost Sculthorpe, Talau and Fozzard from their squad and Long and Cunningham are getting no younger.
 
Wigan, Warrington and Bradford will be obvious play-off contenders but once again I feel they will flatter to deceive in terms of challenging at the very top.
 
I like the recruitment at Hull KR, Huddersfield and Castleford and they can all improve on last year's showing. Hull, too, have a squad to challenge with a little more luck with injuries.
 
Betting (Regular Season)

Leeds Rhinos	2.65  @
St. Helens Saints	3.25  @
Wigan Warriors	13.00  @
Warrington Wolves	13.00  @
Bradford Bulls	15.00  @
Les Catalans	21.00  @
Hull FC	23.00  @
Huddersfield Giants	67.00  @
Hull Kingston Rovers	67.00  @

Catalan surprised most people with their high finish last season but many predict they will go the way of Huddersfield and Salford who were previous play-off surprises. Not me though, I see a repeat at Catalan who have kept a strong squad and again recruited well.
 
Harlequins, despite their coaches’ assessment that they can win the competition, will be much of a muchness. They will miss Henry Paul and Scott Hill but will be capable on their day of winning games. Play-offs at the very best for me though.

2008 Super League Final Table

	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	PTS
1	St Helens	27	21	1	5	940	457	43
2	Leeds	27	21	0	6	863	413	42
3	Catalans Dragons	27	16	2	9	694	625	34
4	Wigan	27	13	3	11	648	698	29
5	Bradford	27	14	0	13	705	625	28
6	Warrington	27	14	0	13	690	713	28
7	Hull KR	27	11	1	15	564	713	23
8	Wakefield	27	11	0	16	574	760	22
9	Harlequins RL	27	11	0	16	569	763	22
10	Huddersfield	27	10	1	16	638	681	21
11	Hull	27	8	1	18	538	699	17
12	Castleford	27	7	1	19	593	869	15

 
In to the Championship and Halifax and Widnes should be the leading contenders whilst promoted Gateshead and Doncaster will struggle. Expect Featherstone to go well with the recruitment of Harris from Leeds, whilst Barrow haven't been shy in recruiting.
 
Division one should see Oldham finally make the promotion push as they have assembled a very strong squad and I see Dewsbury as their closest challengers.
 
Hopeful I should be able to provide advice every Friday if the bookmakers play ball and get their handicaps out early but look out for the odd piece of late news over the weekends and Thursday morning thoughts when the Co-op leagues become televised.
 
the man