Sign up to receive the latest tips, news and offers straight to your inbox.
Article: Rugby League Weekend
Warrington v Leeds

March 8th 15:00 GMT
Warrington have been dreadful so far this season but I expect things to change on Sunday. On paper they have a fine side and I like to judge teams on their overall merits rather than short-term form. Wire have been boosted with the news that Tony Smith, the England coach, has joined forces with Jimmy Lowes in the coaching role and I'm sure the players will be out to impress. A fresh face in the dressing room often works wonders.
Leeds come in to the game on the back of their World Club defeat and I simply haven't been impressed with the Rhinos so far. They showed good spirit to keep the score respectable but I thought it flattered them.
As so often happens after a big game there is a mental letdown and teams find it very hard to get up for their next fixture. Leeds lost at Castleford at this stage last season and also went down at Warrington following their Challenge Cup Semi Final defeat.
It would be no surprise to me if Warrington won this fixture to get their season going although my tisue had Leeds as very slight favourites.
Engage Super League Table
| Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | PTS | |
| 1 | Leeds | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 65 | 20 | 6 |
| 2 | Wakefield | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 93 | 56 | 6 |
| 3 | Hull | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 74 | 42 | 6 |
| 4 | Castleford | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 88 | 50 | 4 |
| 5 | St Helens | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 68 | 40 | 4 |
| 6 | Huddersfield | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 52 | 43 | 4 |
| 7 | Hull KR | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 43 | 51 | 3 |
| 8 | Harlequins RL | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 30 | 32 | 2 |
| 9 | Wigan | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 62 | 76 | 2 |
| 10 | Catalans Dragons | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 60 | 78 | 2 |
| 11 | Salford | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 54 | 97 | 2 |
| 12 | Bradford | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 25 | 29 | 1 |
| 13 | Celtic Crusaders | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 42 | 84 | 0 |
| 14 | Warrington | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 56 | 114 | 0 |
Pick: Warrington +6 3pts @ 2.0 with William Hill
The man
Author: The Man, Published 06 Mar 09


e-mail to friend
print this article