Friday Night Super League

By Crafty Stan

Hull FC v Castleford Tigers



5th March 20:00 GMT

The margin of Hull's win last week over Quins did surprise me a little and I got the call totally wrong. Take away the shock defeat against the Crusaders and it has been a pretty impressive start to the season for the black and White's. Cass by contrast are starting to struggle a bit. They had a heroic win over Leeds and have lost every game since, including last week's gut wrencher at home to Hull KR.

The broken leg injury to Richard Owen was a cruel blow for the Tigers but they have been dealt another blow now as Brett Ferres has a shoulder injury which should see him out for about four months. These injuries just add to the Tigers struggling confidence.

With home advantage and better confidence levels I expect Hull to win comfortably. The cap should have been about 14 in my view and therefore the availability of -8 does appeal to me.

RECOMMENDATION - 3 pts Hull FC -8 @ 1.91 (Sky Bet)


Salford City Reds v Catalan Dragons



5th March 20:00 GMT

The Dragons are an absolute shambles this season. If this were opening day I would expect Catalans to be around the -8 mark but such is the state they have got themselves into so far this season I would have seen this as a scratch contest, possibly even slight favouritism to Salford.

Poor discipline and poor defensive capabilities (or incapability's as it may be) have shown themselves to be traits for the French mob in Super League so far this year. Hats of to all of those on them at 100/1 to finish bottom this year you have a real runner as this kind of contest could go a long way to deciding such things. I never thought I'd be tipping Salford off scratch this year but there's a first time for everything. Two poor teams in a coin-flip. I'll take the 2.4 shot.

RECOMMENDATION - 3 Points on Salford @ 2.4 (Stan James)

Crafty Stan