This Week's Rugby League

By The Man

I'm afraid for this week in Super League I have not managed to find a bet with the fixed odds bookmakers. My tissue was within two points of all the lines put up and, as ever, there isn't much discrepancy between the rival firms. However, the spread companies have come to my salvation for my weekly betting fix and there are a couple of wagers I would like to be involved in.
 
Castleford v Crusaders


 
26th March 20:00 GMT

I watched Crusaders last weekend and saw a dour performance admittedly not helped by the poor weather. Tonight they travel to a Castleford side that sit next to them on the league ladder. Crusaders don't appear to have too much spark in attack, heavily relying on Michael Witt's kicking game, and if they were to win this one I see another grind.

Castleford should have too much for the visitors but they also have struggled to post points in their home fixtures which have resulted in three defeats from three. They will be desperate for a good show in front of their home fans and coach Terry Matterson went public after last week's game about the need to improve their defence. I feel that's where their focus will be and they will be happy with the league points however they come.

A key factor in this wager is the weather. Although the forecast has improved from yesterday there was a deluge falling in Yorkshire yesterday which is sure to make the going soft. As in horse racing when the going is soft then the speed is reduced and less speed equals less points in a game of rugby league.

Pick: Sell Total Points @ 46 for 0.2pts with Sporting Index

 
Wigan v Leeds


 
26th March 20:00 GMT
Sky Sports 1 (19:30-22:30), Sky Sports HD1 (19:30-22:30)

The title pretenders meet the champions and they meet them at such a good time. Leeds are beset with injury problems although a few of their stars return this evening. Leeds have got off to a shocking start by their standards and perhaps they have been lucky in previous years on the injury front. However, despite their poor start and defeats they have not been put completely to the sword and their defence has held relatively tight. Their problems have been in attack and as a result the average points in all their games is at the thirty seven point mark.

I accept it is a concern that Wigan have been more free-flowing but their own defence has been very strong all season. They are getting numbers in to the tackle and have been swarming over their opposites. I really don't see Leeds forcing their way over the Warriors line enough times to hurt and I'm just hoping the Leeds defence is effective enough. That's the question I'd like to know the answer about before the event but even without it I'll take my chances.

Pick: Sell Total Points @ 45 for 0.2pts with Sporting Index
 
The Man