This Week's Rugby League

By The Man

We have the luxury of the handicaps being out early for all the games in the first part of the Easter programme and there are a few I like the look of.

Dewsbury v Batley


 
21st April 18:00 GMT Sky Sports HD2

It was only a couple of weeks ago that I was tipping Batley for this exact same fixture in the Northern Rail cup quarter finals. I didn't think there was much between the two teams but Batley were the recipients of a converted try start. As it happens Dewsbury were comfortable winners of that game and now they are the ones with the converted try start, work that one out if you can. It's true that since that fixture Batley have put in a decent performance with a defeat of Widnes and Dewsbury have lost at home to Sheffield but I can't see that one set of results should make so much difference.

Sheffield were fresh from a week off when defeating Dewsbury, that can make a world of difference and that was their only home reverse of the season. Batley still have injury woes that they managed to overcome last week but the four day turnaround won't be helping players who are crocked. I still have Batley as the superior side but home advantage negates this for me and this is a local derby with local bragging rights at stake. I expect a close game and the luxury of that 6pt start can't be missed. I had this as a pick 'em affair.

Pick: Dewsbury +6 3pts @ 1.91 Bet365
 
Bradford v Leeds


 
21st April 20:00 GMT Sky Sports HD2

Both these teams go in to this fixture on the back of big defeats and confidence will be low. Leeds without Jamie Peacock and Danny McGuire have been ordinary this season and they must be counting the days until that duo return. These two have already met in the opening round in Cardiff when Bradford blew a big lead and it is a worry that their defence has been porous this season. Leeds though are not the force of old and although I have them as favourites I feel they will have to grind out a win. Generally Bradford's home form has been good with three victories out of four and whilst it isn't the fortress of old they have been competitive.

Leeds are the better side but the comprehensive defeat to Huddersfield, the lack lustre performance at Hull KR and the capitulation with the game won against Wigan will have dented all confidence. It could be that Leeds click in to gear but I'm going to suggest this will be a typical derby battle with a chance of it going either way. I had Leeds by 4pts.

Pick: Bradford +8 2pts @ 1.91 with Ladbrokes
 
Hull KR v Hull


 
22nd April 12:15 GMT Sky Sports HD1

This could be argued is the most intense derby of the lot and it is the only one between teams from the same city in Super League. Winning this game means so much to both sets of players and supporters, probably because, in truth, they are unlikely to be challenging for top honours. I have absolutely nothing between the two teams. Hull KR have probably had slightly the better recent form with a win versus Leeds and a competitive defeat to Wigan but they are still badly missing their talisman, Michael Dobson.

Hull FC's form has been woeful, they have yet to beat a decent side and that shouldn't be the case with the team they have on paper. Martin Gleeson may make his debut to add badly lacking firepower but I expect defences to be on top in a low scoring affair. Any points quotes in the mid forties would certainly attract me to the unders. By virtue of home advantage I had Hull FC by 2pts but I can't resist taking Rovers with the converted try start.

Pick: Hull KR +6 3pts @ 1.91 with Betfred or Sportingbet
 
York v Hunslet


 
22nd April 14:00 GMT

Hunslet are better than York. Both teams were promoted last season and have found things tough but Hunslet, though poor and inconsistent on occasions, have managed to post some points on the Championship ladder. A great victory at Widnes and a comfortable one over Toulouse suggests that they will make a fight of staying up. By contrast, York look out of their depth. They have suffered three wide margin defeats but can boast a draw at Hunslet in the opening round. Add in the fact that they have had a couple of week's rest then they will be thinking this is a game they can win. I agree, it is a game they can win but even with the rest and the previous draw taken in to consideration I still had Hunslet as 4pt favourites. Bet365 are out of line and they aren't the bravest of firms so I would take Hunslet off scratch but if they have to concede a start I'd leave this one alone.

Pick: Hunslet +2 3pts @ 1.8 with Bet365
 
South Wales v London Skolars

 
 
22nd April 19:00 GMT

South Wales were hammered at the weekend but that doesn't tell the whole story. They shot in to an eighteen point lead against a Swinton side who are one of the favourites for promotion and more than useful at this level. If they can have the same attacking intent the London side won't recover. Before that game South Wales have gradually been coming to terms with the division with close defeats to Whitehaven and Workington along with a mauling of whipping boys Gateshead. London are better than Gateshead but they are still a minnow. They tend to put up half decent shows in defeat but lack the ability to really trouble teams. I had South Wales by 16pts.

Pick: South Wales -12 3pts @ 1.91 with Sky Bet
 
The Man