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Article: Rugby League 24
A couple of bets to start the weekend with possibly more to follow once I've seen some more National League lines:
Wigan +12 v St.Helens 3pts@1.91 with Chandler, Ladbrokes, Betfred or Bet365
I know, I know, St.Helens are on fire and they look unopposable but I like finding reasons to be against the crowd and I hope to find some. St.Helens have had some very easy fixtures recently and I'm not too sure they will be battle-hardened for this local derby. They also have bigger fish to fry with the Challenge Cup semi-final looming next week. If the game's in the bag or key players have taken the slightest knock expect them to take their collective foot off the gas. Coach Anderson knows, with the play-off system, coming top of the league ladder isn't the ultimate priority.
Wigan will be up for this no doubt. They are already quoting this as their biggest game of the season though I'm not sure Saints view it in the same way. Wigan's home form is exceptional with only a last minute Catalan try denting a 100% record. Champions Leeds were their latest victims. Last season Wigan beat the Saints in a must win game for them to reach the play-offs with, again, the Saints' thoughts on future matches. Captain O'Loughlin misses out which is a blow but the teams has improved from the one which downed Leeds with the return of Hock and Paleaaesina. A typical derby game I think will ensue and though I wouldn't completely rule out a home victory I still had to give the Saints' form the respect they deserve by making them favourites, but only by 6pts and not the 12pts on offer.
Catalan +8 v Leeds 3pts@1.91 with Stanjames or Ladbrokes
Similar reasons really to the match above. That Challenge cup semi final really is looming. Leeds have already served notice of their intentions with reports that Webb, Diskin and Bailey won't be even getting on the plane to France. Catalan could well be top of the league come Saturday evening and they will certainly be playing with plenty of desire. Losing Adam Mogg to suspension is a big blow but the leniency shown to Casey McGuire was crucial to their chances. The French team is pretty formidable at home and I wouldn't read too much in to last week's scratchy performance versus Harlequins. I felt their schedule of the week previous could have taken its toll in that one. The wet weather would have also evened things up. Hopefully the hot French weather will return this weekend and it will be the Rhinos who wilt with the Catalans used to playing in the hotter climate. I envisage a really close game and the 8pts start is just too tempting for a game that I feel could go either way. I had Leeds by 2pts.
the man
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print this articleWigan +12 v St.Helens 3pts@1.91 with Chandler, Ladbrokes, Betfred or Bet365
I know, I know, St.Helens are on fire and they look unopposable but I like finding reasons to be against the crowd and I hope to find some. St.Helens have had some very easy fixtures recently and I'm not too sure they will be battle-hardened for this local derby. They also have bigger fish to fry with the Challenge Cup semi-final looming next week. If the game's in the bag or key players have taken the slightest knock expect them to take their collective foot off the gas. Coach Anderson knows, with the play-off system, coming top of the league ladder isn't the ultimate priority.
Wigan will be up for this no doubt. They are already quoting this as their biggest game of the season though I'm not sure Saints view it in the same way. Wigan's home form is exceptional with only a last minute Catalan try denting a 100% record. Champions Leeds were their latest victims. Last season Wigan beat the Saints in a must win game for them to reach the play-offs with, again, the Saints' thoughts on future matches. Captain O'Loughlin misses out which is a blow but the teams has improved from the one which downed Leeds with the return of Hock and Paleaaesina. A typical derby game I think will ensue and though I wouldn't completely rule out a home victory I still had to give the Saints' form the respect they deserve by making them favourites, but only by 6pts and not the 12pts on offer.
Catalan +8 v Leeds 3pts@1.91 with Stanjames or Ladbrokes
Similar reasons really to the match above. That Challenge cup semi final really is looming. Leeds have already served notice of their intentions with reports that Webb, Diskin and Bailey won't be even getting on the plane to France. Catalan could well be top of the league come Saturday evening and they will certainly be playing with plenty of desire. Losing Adam Mogg to suspension is a big blow but the leniency shown to Casey McGuire was crucial to their chances. The French team is pretty formidable at home and I wouldn't read too much in to last week's scratchy performance versus Harlequins. I felt their schedule of the week previous could have taken its toll in that one. The wet weather would have also evened things up. Hopefully the hot French weather will return this weekend and it will be the Rhinos who wilt with the Catalans used to playing in the hotter climate. I envisage a really close game and the 8pts start is just too tempting for a game that I feel could go either way. I had Leeds by 2pts.
the man
Author: The Man, Published 18 Jul 08