This Week's Rugby League

By The Man

Salford v Catalan


 
11th September 15:00 GMT

Salford have had a tough run-in having to play the top eight teams and as a result their form has obviously suffered. They can only boast one victory against Huddersfield in that run but this weekend they have a fair chance for another. They have been reasonably competitive in those fixtures though they are some way short of the cream to turn them over. There has been a gradual improvement in performance under their new coach, Matt Parish, and there will be a lot of emotion in this fixture with it being the last ever at The Willows. I'm fairly certain that the Salford team will be fired up for victory but I'm not so sure about the French.

Catalan had a fine mid season run to cement their place in the play-offs but in the last few weeks they appear to have run out of steam. It is true that on their day they are capable of mixing it with the best as victories over Wigan and Warrington prove but they wouldn't be human if they didn't have one eye on the following week. I actually don't think there is too much in ability terms between the two teams but the French have been well coached and exceeded expectations. With over a converted try on offer in a game that could go either way it was an obvious wager for me. Other companies including Betfred give an 8pt start at the regular price of 1.91 but I reckon the 6.5pts start at the price of 2 has slight more value given the lack of drop goals in the game (I know I'm setting myself up for a 7pt French win). I also wouldn't put anyone off taking Salford on the outright at the price of 3, personally I'll be looking to lay Catalan on the exchanges. I had Catalan 2pt favourites.

Pick: Salford +6.5 4pts @ 2 with Betfred
 
Wakefield v Bradford


 
9th September 20:00 GMT

Two poor teams meet for the final fixture in a season both will want to forget. With a raft of new signings and new coach Mick Potter hopes were high for the Bulls. However, the signings lacked quality and were all much of a muchness. They are still miles away from the glory years.

Wakefield had problems from the start entering administration and as their franchise application looked doomed many players either failed to sign or those that were there wanted away. They have done reasonably well in the circumstances as I wouldn't have been surprised if they failed to register a victory. With the demise of the Crusaders they live to fight another three years in Super League and with a wealthier backer perhaps they can make progress.

That progress, however, is for future years. This season their ultra small squad has been exposed and in the latter weeks have failed to be competitive. They have had some big scores posted on them, most recently at Leeds who hit sixty despite coming on the back of a draining Wembley final.

Bradford are little better than Wakefield but they do possess more talent in key areas. Andy Lynch and Jamie Langley should drive the team forward annd hopefully Brett Kearney and Ben Jeffries can take advantage. Playing Wakefield you are almost guaranteed to hit at least thirty points (unless the weather is poor) and it could be a whole lot more. The question is whether the Bulls' defence is on their mettle.

Given the likelihood of a high scoring game lacking intensity and the fact that Bradford look the more capable I had the hosts with a 16pt start. I'm hoping their lack of ability is not compensated by the desire to send departing coach, John Kear, out on a winning note. I am loathe to recommend away teams in dead rubbers as they sometimes lack desire, however Wakefield are just too poor to ignore.

Pick: Bradford -8.5 v Wakefield 3pts @ 1.83 with Betfred
 
The Man