Super League Betting: FC fancied in Hull derby

“The pick of the non-live games looks to be the Hull derby at Craven Park and I’m surprised to see Hull FC as big as [2.5] in the outright market.”

Stuart Jones has a value pick when FC play KR plus selections for two other Super League games

Leeds Rhinos will be desperate to bounce back from a hefty loss to Warrington Wolves last week, but with a trip across the Pennines to face St Helens next up this Friday, the Rhinos will have to put up a much-improved display if they are to regain the winning thread.

Having withstood an early Wolves onslaught, Leeds responded well, enjoying the lion’s share of possession and territory just before half-time, eventually going into the sheds just 6-12 down. It was the Rhinos’ response to going behind in the second-half that was more concerning, not showing any signs of the grit that saw them crowned champions a few seasons ago.

If Brent Webb returns I would expect Lee Smith and Brett Delaney to line up in midfield. That is a centre partnership that just doesn’t convince me.Delaney will surely be better in the second row, whilst Smith looks some way off the player he was before switching to union.

Whilst Leeds were busy chasing shadows around Headingley, Saints barely came out of second gear to beat the Crusaders, and should come into this the fresher side. They are also boosted by the return of Tony Puletua and Scott Moore.

The majority of St Helens’ key players are among the 19-man squad for Friday’s game and, bar any significant late changes, I expect Saints to cover the eight point handicap.

Castleford ended up running out comprehensive winners against Harlequins last weekend, but their poor run of form against stronger opposition prior to that can’t be ignored, and Huddersfield should have too much for them at the Shay on Sunday.

Although I think the Giants were somewhat flattered by the end score at Hull, the way they coped with such a big side on their home patch was impressive, especially in the absence of Luke O’Donnell.

O’Donnell is likely to be missing again this week, but it’s the strength in depth that Huddersfield possess that makes me convinced they should cover a handicap of around sixteen points.

Castleford have struggled to cope with the losses of Jonathon Walker and Craig Huby. They may well be able to get away with it against weaker sides like Harlequins, but up against a team that are so strong in the forwards, I don’t see how they can live with Nathan Brown’s men.

The pick of the non-live games looks to be the Hull derby at Craven Park and I’m surprised to see Hull FC as big as [2.5] in the outright market. Their local rivals have been disappointing this season, with off-field antics more to the fore than those on it, and even acknowledging how fiercely contested these games are, I see no reason why this should be anything but a scratch game. FC have been the better side all year and I will be backing them to put one over the arch enemy.

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June 27, 2011 • Tags: Derby, Hull Derby • Posted in: Betting Posts

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