Ian Millward previews the ANZAC test, Challenge Cup fifth round and the pick of the NRL action.
BETTING BOX
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FIXED ODDS
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2pts win handicap double Hull (-20) to beat Widnes and Roosters (-6) to beat Raiders at 2.64/1 (Sky Bet). |
Roosters can bounce back to win in the NRL while Hull have too much class for Widnes. |
Challenge Cup Fifth Round
St Helens v Warrington (+14)
Home ground advantage is massive at this stage of the competition - it is worth points. St Helens have completely dominated Warrington in the Super League era, but I do believe the inclusion of Vinnie Anderson will be huge for the Wolves. There wasn't much between these two in their last game, but Warrington have since been poor against Huddersfield where their control of the ball caused them a lot of problems. If they can't control the ball against St Helens they've no chance. Sean Long's in a rich vein of form, backed up by forwards such as James Graham and Jason Cayless. I think St Helens can win the game, but I've got a funny feeling Warrington may make this a lot tighter than people anticipate and win with the start.
Hull KR v Huddersfield (+6)
Huddersfield were way in front of Warrington last week and were incensed by the try that cost them the game, but they should be angry over the way they capitulated too. New signing Michael Dobson won't play in this game but home ground is a massive advantage for Rovers here. I expect Hull KR to kick on from their derby win in Cardiff and improve. They can win the game and cover the start.
Best of the rest
You can't help but be impressed by Leeds who have got quite a few injuries. The young players they have brought in were exceptional against Bradford and with strength in depth like that you have got to fear for Harlequins. Their attitude, strength and performance was outstanding. Harlequins have lost games late on twice in a row and you start to wonder about their attitude and ability to finish games off. Brent Webb is playing in the ANZAC Test which is a huge loss to the Rhinos but it won't be enough for Quins to cause a shock. Leeds can win the game and cover the 12 points start.
The atmosphere at Widnes should be electric because they can attract a big crowd in their very good stadium. Hull FC had some tough calls last week but they can bounce back here. 20 points sounds a lot but not when you are playing a team from a lower division. It will be a good surface and with Adam Dykes coming into form they can get a confidence-boosting, wide-margin victory. The Widnes team are doing well in National One, but the gulf in class is too wide for them to cause an upset here. Hull need a big win, and they should get one. Back them to cover the start.
NRL
Sydney v Canberra (+6)
The Roosters have had a couple of poor performances and also a week off because of the bye, but they have a very good pack of forwards led by a very good stand-off in Braith Anasta. I expect the Roosters to win this game and cover the start. They are one of the better bets from this weekend's action in the NRL and they can end their two-game losing streak against the Raiders.