The Co-operative Championship

By The Man

Leigh v Barrow



25th February 19:30 GMT
Sky Sports 3 (19:30-22:00), Sky Sports HD3 (19:30-22:00)

Tonight sees the return of Thursday night televised rugby league and that means it's the start of the Championship. OK it's a step down from Super League but last season there was entertainment aplenty and this season promises a repeat. For the majority of fixtures there will be no way of knowing who will win for sure and tonight's fixture is no exception.

Leigh were only a few wins outside the play-off positions last season but found themselves in a relegation spot. They were reprieved by the financial demise of Gateshead and they will be looking to take full advantage. It's no secret that they covet a Super League slot and their new stadium is fit for that purpose but the team need to tick the playing standards box. To do that they must win the Northern Rail cup or secure and Grand Final place. They have recruited Ian Millward, the charismatic former St.Helens and Wigan coach, who first made his name at the Leigh club. When first with Leigh he turned their fortunes round and he will be looking for a repeat. His headline signing has been Robbie Paul from Salford who has every piece of silverware in the book but perhaps more significant is the dual contract

The charismatic former St.Helens and Wigan coach Ian Millward

signings he has managed to recruit. McCarthey, Blythe, Mitchell and Emmitt all come with a strong Super League pedigree. I was very impressed with their demolition of Featherstone last time out in the Northern Rail cup and it is more than feasible that Leigh could challenge the top.

They face a Barrow side who are champions. Last season not many at the club could have dreamt of the success after promotion but their ambitious chairman backed the club with numerous signings. This close season the club have lost Andy Ellis to Harlequins, Darren Holt to rugby union, Liam Finch to Workington and Dave Allen to Widnes but in have come Henderson, Knowles and Fletcher and if anything they look stronger.

Make no mistake this will be a real test for Leigh. Ian Millward has been quoted as saying he's happy to face Barrow as he wants to know where Leigh are in their progress. He'd even accept defeat to learn that. To be honest there's a certain amount of guesswork working out how good Leigh are. However, that Featherstone victory looks good when you reason that they had drawn with Sheffield who beat Halifax. Make no mistake this division is a close one. I know all about Barrow, they are my team; the likes of Rooney, Luisi, Catic and Nixon are class at this level.

So to the betting: the bookmakers and exchanges have priced this one with a handicap between 6pts and 8pts. I'm fully aware that Barrow are capable of winning by a big score, equally they could easily lose this one. All I can see is a close game in prospect. I'm a former Barrow player, director and lifelong supporter but that doesn't mean I wear blinkers. For me the handicap is too high, it pains me to say it but I only had Barrow by 2pts and at the price, the +6.5pts on offer at Betfair is too good to miss.
 
Pick: Leigh +6.5 3pts @ 1.84 with Betfair  

The Man