e-mail to friend  print this article

CRONULLA SHARKS V MELBOURNE STORM
26th September - 10:30 BST

For any young players that watch rugby league football, for me the ideal team for them to watch is the Cronula Sharks. In terms of early development, I think too many players that have come through the ranks at clubs (not naming specific players but look at Warrington) are solely focussed on the attacking side of their play and too often at the neglect of defensive set up. The Sharks can be quite masterful at defending their lines and whilst they are not always a pretty team to watch, they know how to grind out victories and do what it takes.

The Storm look like a bit of a tired outfit. Having being shocked at home by the Warriors and admirably managing to hold off a fighting Broncos unit at Suncorp, they must be feeling a little jaded.

The Sharks are cock-a-hoop that skipper Paul Gallen has been cleared to play. This will be a big relief for them going into the match.

With all of the ill feeling between the camps surrounding the grapple tackling of Cameron Stuart, this game is sure to have plenty of bite to it. A potential physical battle could suit the Sharks if it transpires. The handicap mark of 6 looks about right and whilst I favour the Sharks on that mark, I like a bit of security. The security that I will be seeking is in the form of the no-draw handicap offered by Totesport of 6.5 at 1.83 on either side as handicap ties can hit hard.

A pretty low scoring affair looks on the cards, so I think that a lay of the over 40.5 market on Betfair seems like the logical play. A lot of bookies are going with marks of around 36.

 

RECOMMENDATION - 3 Points on Cronulla Sharks +6.5 @ 1.83 at Totesport

3 Points Liability LAY on Over 40.5 points @ 2.32 (If there are 40 points or less scored, it is a winner) at Betfair

 

LEEDS RHINOS V WIGAN WARRIORS
26th September - 20:00 BST
 

Having spent the majority of the regular season as a pretty unreliable team, it is quite remarkable how much the Warriors have turned things around. They are the team with all the momentum going into this match up having done a number on the Catalans in France last week and going up against opponents that were simply outplayed by Saints.

I still think that my pre-play offs pick on Saints at 1.8 will prove to be a good one as they are now a best priced 1.42 to win the grand final, but this match will mean a lot of either side because being at the grand final is a terrific spectacle. Having been to both the 05 and 06 grand finals, I know what a special day it can be and that is merely as a spectator. The motivation for either side must be huge.

The match could get tight as these are two street-smart units and the kicking games of either side could happen to be crucial, look at Pat Richards as a key man for Wigan. They will need to take their chances when offered up.

This match is all about the handicap mark for me and if any bookmaker has flinched enough to dangle the carrot for me. For me this match could be a handicap start for Wigan of six at the very least and eight at the very most. Ladbrokes have duly done punters a potential favour and offered a start of ten at 1.91. I am very happy to recommend this as I see a strong and in form Wigan side really testing this Leeds side that seem out of sorts last weekend.

Mark Calderwood duly obliged for us last week against the Catalans in what could have been his last match. As it happened, it wasn't to be his last match and the same scenario holds true for me. At 3.25 to score at any stage of the match, he is a good bet for me.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS - 4 Points Stake on Wigan Warriors + 10 @ 1.91 (Ladbrokes sportsbook)

1.5 Points Stake on Mark Calderwood Anytime Try Scorer @ 3.25 (William Hill)