Thursday Night Rugby League

By The Man

Leigh Centurions v Featherstone Rovers




10th March, 19:30 GMT
Sky Sports 4

Championship rugby league is back on our screens this Thursday and the 2011 season promises to be a very competitive affair. First up are Leigh against Grand Finalists Featherstone.

Leigh have had a high turnover of players in the off season and for me they look a stronger outfit than last when they ran out of steam at the play-off stages. Their Northern Rail cup results have been good and I expect them to be a top 4 team.

Featherstone set the benchmark for consistency last season with only two regular league season defeats and really should have won the Grand Final when in a commanding position. They have lost Kyle Briggs to Bradford but I still feel they are the team to beat. They rested a few players at the weekend to focus on this fixture and I reckon it will be a very close affair. Featherstone's swarming defence was key last year and I've already seen first hand that it is efficient as ever this term.

I had been mulling over the handicaps all week for this one as I couldn't really split them and could see a case for both teams winning. In the end I plumped for Featherstone by 2pts by virtue of knowing exactly what they are about whilst there is a little more of the unknown about Leigh when it comes to facing the really top sides.

I then checked if any of the layers had priced early and was pleasantly surprised to see that they had given Featherstone a 6pt start. As is the way these days, one bookie prices up and the rest copy so this really is an advantage when you believe the handicap to be wrong. I believe this one to be wrong and I have already spoilt the price by wagering with bet365 but betfred and skybet have the 6pt start if you are quick. I'd still go with a reduced stake at the 4pts start. This is no gimmee as I alluded to above as I genuinely feel that the game can go either way but the start on offer provides a nice buffer and for me a touch of value

Pick: Featherstone +6 3pts @ 1.91 Sky Bet

The Man