CHALLENGE CUP FINAL

When the semi final draw found Saints and Leeds paired against each other, we knew that there was going to be an outsider in the final. Some felt that they were robbed of a show-piece event much like how people like to see a Man Utd v Chelsea/Liverpool/Arsenal final in the football FA cup, but I'm a bit more old fashioned in that I like to see the underdog given its chance to shine on its day in the sun.

Now by no means would you, in recent seasons, associate Hull FC as being an underdog but when you bear in mind the disastrous season that they have endured with horrendous injuries piling up, a switch of coaches and a total loss of confidence throughout the opening two thirds of the season, and through all of that to get to a major final is nothing short of miraculous.

If we take a look at who is missing for both teams for the match up, you will see that Motu Tony has failed a fitness test and will therefore not be playing, this will be a great disappointment to the full back who would no doubt have been greatly looking forward to this day. The coach may be prepared to take risks and play Adam Dykes and Richard Horne if needs be, but this would be a bit of a gamble, particularly in Horne's case as he hasn't played since his near career ending injury.

Saints are without prop Jason Cayless for certain, and it is highly unlikely that big Maurie Fa'asavalu will be able to make it, these are blows to Saints but not ones that they cannot overcome.
I just absolutely love to watch Saints play and am well aware that on any given day, they have the ability to absolutely pulverise any other team in club English rugby. I never expect big beatings in finals though and today is no exception, so we should take a look closer at the available bets and see if there is anything worth opting for.

The man I will mark down as a key player for Hull FC is Shaun Berrigan. Berrigan always gives his all for the team cause, and with the versatility he has always shown throughout his career you can tell what a committed player he is. Whenever he is missing from the line-up, you really notice the difference. It will be interesting to compare the performance of the Aussie to that of Keiron Cunningham for Saints.

In truth, I would price this match up with a 14 point handicap. The superiority of this Saints unit is clear for all to see and I would be hard pressed to find a case for a Hull victory. However, what I will concede is that if they put in a committed effort, get the run of the ball and vital decisions go their way, you never know.

Having viewed the handicap prices on offer, I like the +18.5 Asian Handicap mark on Hull offered by Bet365 because although the price is only 1.8, if offers that vital cushion in which I can avoid the dreaded handicap tie so in my opinion is as good as a 20 point handicap because it is unlikely that you would go for a drop goal if you were 18 points up.

In the any time try score market, the name of interest to me is Paul Wellens. I have always been a big admirer of the former Man of Steel, and think that he is definitely due a try, and think that he could well deliver on this on the big stage. The price of 2.25 offered by Coral appeals and I advise a small outlay on this.

Good luck and enjoy the game.

RECOMMENDATION - 3.5 Points Stake on Hull FC +18.5 @ 1.8 (Bet365)
1 Point Stake on Paul Wellens anytime try scorer @ 2.25 (Coral)