Castleford v Leigh

David Armstrong 10/11 1U
Tesi Nui 7/4 1U
Andrew Badrock 5/1 0.5U

Leigh are a better side than Castleford, and should win if they can cope with the losses of good-but-not-key/players, Ethan O’Neil and Umyala Hanley.

I remain unconvinced about David Armstrong’s ability to get the ball to his wingers in good attacking positions, and so will again steer away from the Leigh wingers, and choose instead to back him, David Armstrong (10/11) to score; on the basis that the flat track and good conditions should suit his illusive running style.

I will also take a punt on Tesi Nui (7/4), who is an absolute handful from close-range.

Cas’ small pitch and Leigh’s expected territorial dominance should see Nui get plenty of opportunity to power his way over.

Finally, I am having a punt on Andrew Badrock (5/1), Andrew is big and quick and at 5/1, it’s a fair price. There is also some chance he spends some time at centre, which would only make the selection more fancied.

Huddersfield v Catalans

Reimis Smith 8/5 1U

I am going for Reimis Smith (8/5). Catalans’ attack is far from the finished product and the absence of Sam Tomkins won’t help.

However, Smith is big, strong and quick, and is facing up v a lacklustre opponent in Huddersfield. I expect the Catalans pack to get on top and as a result, Smith should get a chance to get over.

I am happy to take the price on offer for a unit.

LW

Round 7 - Hull KR v Wigan

Joe Burgess 7/4 2U
Liam Marshall 15/8 2U
Sauoso Sue 8/1 0.25U
Jacob Douglas 15/4 2U (Unlikely to play, will be void if so)

The totals line is currently at 32.5, indicating the bookies are again expecting a low scoring match between two of the leagues’ better sides; and they may well be right.

The defence focused, conservative game-plan that Wigan used to nullify Rovers in last year’s grand final, has seemingly become the blue-print that Willie Peters wishes to implement in his own team, and with the absence of Rovers’ only halfback, Mikey Lewis, I can certainly understand the bookies’ low line.

However, there are few factors leading me to think this may not be as low scoring as they do: one, this is not a play-off game, and although it means the world to Rovers - Wigan aren’t really trying yet this year - and so the usual intensity needed to ensure a low scoring game may not be there; two, the conditions look ideal for attacking rugby. Both teams posses weapons all over the pitch, so nailing the individual players that actually do the scoring is no mean feat.

However, I’ve opted for both teams’ prolific triesmen, left wingers, Joe Burgess (7/4) and Liam Marshall (15/8) - both prices represent value.

The absence of England internationals, Luke Thompson and Ethan Harvard, gives us a small angle to make a play on Suaoso Sue (8/1), with the Wigan middles lacking a bit of goal-line defensive quality that would usually be there, we can’t take the 8/1 of offer for a small stake.

I’ve also gone for Jacob Douglas (15/4). Abbas Miski’s inclusion in the squad means Douglas isn’t likely to play, however, if he does take to the field, he is overpriced, and there isn’t any downside as the bet will be void should he not feature.

And finally, for something a bit different - than can be a lot of fun, I wouldn’t put anyone off the same game multiples just incase the game does blow open and is not the grindathon the bookies expect (like Wigan v Warrington in Vegas), players such as Jake Wardle (3/1), Peta Hiku (10/3) Jai Field (13/5), and Kelepi Tanginoa (5/1), Oli Gildart (3/1) and Zach Eckersley (10/3), will serve you well. 37-36 one time?

LW

Not a bad first week with a couple of nice winners in the St Helens v Leeds game, with Dayon Sambou and Matty Ashton both crossing the whitewash at 15/8 and 13/8 respectively.

Round Five Recap

Love or Loathe the 'Warri0r', he's back for more in Round Six of the Super League. Prices taken from bet365 unless stated otherwise. 

Super League: Round 6
Catalans v St Helens (Saturday)

Just one final selection for this week and that’s Dayon Sambou (5/2).

Dayon got the job done for us last week with a finish that was more acrobatic than it needed to be, but it’s nice to know he’s got that in his locker should he need it.

I expect he will retain his place on the left wing for St Helens and although this game threatens to be one of the most turgid and dull affairs imaginable given the dour playing style of the two teams, there’s enough room in the price offered that we don’t have to win too often to make this a winning play in the long term.

Selections

Dayon Sambo 5/2 1U

~Warri0r (@Sharks111064831)

Not a bad first week with a couple of nice winners in the St Helens v Leeds game, with Dayon Sambou and Matty Ashton both crossing the whitewash at 15/8 and 13/8 respectively.

Round Five Recap

Love or Loathe the 'Warri0r', he's back for more in Round Six of the Super League. Prices taken from bet365 unless stated otherwise. 

Super League: Round 6
Warrington v Leeds (Friday) 

Just the one selection in this game and that’s Arron Lindop (7/4). Lindop is likely to be starting on the wing and represents value given his speed and finishing ability.

Leeds are also following up after their cup final, and at 7/4, I’m willing to take my chances.

Selections

Arron Lindop 7/4 2U

Super League: Round 6
Leigh v Wakefield (Friday) 

Leigh have potentially got some of their players returning namely Rob Mulhern, Josh Charnley and Frankie Halton, and because of this they should have too much fire power for a Wakefield side that are potentially missing a few key players themselves.

If conditions hold up, I think this game could get ugly for Wakefield and there are any number of potential try scoring candidates in the Leigh ranks.

I’m going to have a unit on both Tesi Niu (7/4) and David Armstrong (10/11). Niu appears to be a bit of a beast, from what I have seen of him so far, and he’s certainly not afraid of declining the chance to pass to his winger and going for the line himself.

Armstrong is a very illusive runner, who, so far, has shown that his strengths as a fullback are focused more around his ability to evade defenders than his ability to find his wingers.

The speed and strength combo appeal here as Leigh will surely look to bounce back for a disappointing performance last time out.

Selections

Tesi Niu 7/4 1U
David Armstrong 10/11 1U

~Warri0r (@Sharks111064831)

Not a bad first week with a couple of nice winners in the St Helens v Leeds game, with Dayon Sambou and Matty Ashton both crossing the whitewash at 15/8 and 13/8 respectively.

Round Five Recap

Love or Loathe the 'Warri0r', he's back for more in Round Six of the Super League. Prices taken from bet365 unless stated otherwise. 

Super League: Round 6
Castleford v Hull FC (Thursday)

Innes Senior 8/5 2U
Herman Ese Ese 13/5 1U
Amir Borough 6/1 0.25U
Lewis Martin 11/10 2U

I’m keeping things relatively simple with my first selection by opting for everyone’s favourite winger, Innes Senior (8/5).

Despite Cas’ obvious problems, namely a weak pack and lack of muscle, they do execute the classic block play reasonably well, meaning the wingers get the ball in their hands often enough to make this a decent bet.

The aforementioned weak pack leads me on to my next selection, Herman Ese Ese (13/5). The Hermanator is on some run, scoring in each of his last 3 games, and the price has shortened up considerably as a result.

However, after seeing the ease in which Tevita Pangai Junior strolled through from close range for Catalans last weekend, I’m gonna back Herman to keep up his prolific form. Following the theory that Cas are susceptible to a big man barging over, I am also having a small play on Amir Borough (6/1).

Amir isn’t an overly big man himself, but he may well benefit from the additional space afforded to him as the Cas pack will surely look to get additional numbers on the likes of Ese Ese.

Finally, I’m taking Lewis Martin (11/10). Not much to say other than the price is fair enough, conditions appear to be good, and he’s playing on the outside of a seemingly effective edge.

Selections

Innes Senior 8/5 2U
Herman Ese Ese 13/5 1U
Amir Borough 6/1 0.25U
Lewis Martin 11/10 2U

~Warri0r (@Sharks111064831)

Time for something new here at LoveWinners.

Rugby tips have been the beating heart of the site since its inception in early 2011 but tryscorer tips is not something we've dabbled in much, till now.

Tips brought to you by 'Warri0r', who you may have had the misfortune of interacting with on Twitter. Prices taken from bet365 unless stated otherwise. 

Super League: Round 5
Wakefield v Hull FC (Friday)

Tom Briscoe (15/8) 1 unit
Aidan Sezer (4/1) 0.5 unit
Caleb Hamlin-Uele (9/1) 0.5 unit

It’s easy to make a case for all wingers playing in this game given both teams have shown some nice attacking shape in the first few weeks of the season - with both teams also not being the most resolute defensively.

We can’t just back all the wingers every game, as fun as that might, so I’m going to go with the best priced one, which is Tom Briscoe (15/8). Due to the injury to Harvey Barron, Briscoe is likely to be playing on the right wing and he still has strong finishing ability - even at 35 years old. However, I would recommend keeping an eye out for team news and looking to cash out if he is named in the centres, as this price would not be backable if this was to be the case.

The Wakefield wingers, Tom Johnstone and either Matty Russell or Lachlan Walmsley aren’t terrible bets, but with the loss of the instrumental Max Jowitt at full back, I’ll take my chances elsewhere.

For something at a slightly larger price, I am going to go with Aidan Sezer (4/1) and Caleb Hamlin-Uele (9/1). Sezer hasn’t scored yet this season but he has shown willingness to take the line on, and he runs with intensity when he does so.

Hamlin-Uele is still a relative unknown, however, he looks to be a big lump, but with a certain degree of mobility - and at 9/1 I’m happy to take my chances.

Selections

Tom Briscoe (15/8) 1 unit
Aidan Sezer (4/1) 0.5 unit
Caleb Hamlin-Uele (9/1) 0.5 unit

~Warri0r (@Sharks111064831)

Time for something new here at LoveWinners.

Rugby tips have been the beating heart of the site since its inception in early 2011 but tryscorer tips is not something we've dabbled in much, till now.

Tips brought to you by 'Warri0r', who you may have had the misfortune of interacting with on Twitter. Prices taken from bet365 unless stated otherwise. 

Super League: Round 5
St Helens v Warrington (Friday)

Matty Ashton anytime 13/8 2U
Dayon Sambou anytime 7/4 1U
Curtis Sironen anytime 9/2 0.5U
Matty Ashton 2 or more 15/2 0.5U

The bookies expect this to be a low scoring contest as has often been the case when two top teams go up against each other. However, there a few of players of interest in the Anytime Try Scorer market.

Matty Ashton (13/8) is an exceptional finisher playing on the wing of a fluent left-edge, an edge that’s potency will only be strengthened by the recent addition of Marc Sneyd. The price on offer seems fair anyway, but when you take into consideration the potential for the opposing St Helens right-edge to contain two rookies, Harry Robertson and Dayon Sambou, the selection becomes even more appealing. There’s some chance ‘Wello’ moves Bennison to the right wing, which wouldn’t do anything to put me off, or he may opt for something different altogether, namely, playing someone else (Davies, Whitely) at centre, with Robertson moving to the wing. In any case, there’s either going to be square pegs in round holes, or, inexperienced (or shit) players opposing a well refined, left-edge attack.

Ashton also scored 5 times in 4 victories v St Helens last season, and although the St Helens pack appear to be less toothless than they were last year, and therefore territory might not come quite as easily this time around for the Wire, there’s still enough justification to take a chance at 13/8, irrespective of how St Helens line up.

On the other side of the coin, I’m going to take a punt on the aforementioned Dayon Sambou (7/4). Sambou has been named in the 21 man squad and could potentially take the injured Kyle Feldts’ place on the St Helens right wing.

If it feels counterintuitive to select a player that I have previously identified as a potential weak spot in defence, I’d like to draw attention to the somewhat obvious fact that defence and attack are two completely different elements of the game. This is especially evident in young players, where they often have the raw ability and speed required to make them dangerous in attack, but don’t always possess the defensive qualities required to make them formidable on the other side of the ball. I believe that if the usual St Helens right winger, Kyle Feldt was playing, he would be priced somewhere around 11/8; and although Sambou is perhaps a slightly less able finisher from close range, he has that extra yard of pace that can make up for it. I can just about make a case at 7/4.

There’s no guarantee that he plays, but if not, the bet will be void.

For something at a slightly larger price, I wouldn’t put anyone off Curtis Sironen (9/2). Sironen runs good lines, reads the game well, and uses his size to accurately target half backs in the defensive line. We can’t know yet for sure, as Wire will often have Williams defending on the side they perceive to be the most under threat, but there’s a good chance Sironen will be lining up against Mark Sneyd, who famously struggles v Second Rowers of Sironen’s profile.

Finally, I could be tempted by Matty Ashton 2 or more at 15/2 and even the hatrick at 40/1, on the basis that, if St Helens do have a problem on that right edge, it is going to be a problem for the full 80 minutes - and with nowhere to hide for the right side defence, it could get ugly. This would be not too dissimilar to the issues they had versus Hull KR last season, and to the ones Wigan faced v Hull FC last weekend, which saw wingers for Rovers and FC both score quick-fire hat tricks v weak edge defences.

Selections

Matty Ashton anytime 13/8 2U
Dayon Sambou anytime 7/4 1U
Curtis Sironen anytime 9/2 0.5U
Matty Ashton 2 or more 15/2 0.5U

~Warri0r (@Sharks111064831)

Time for something new here at LoveWinners.

Rugby tips have been the beating heart of the site since its inception in early 2011 but tryscorer tips is not something we've dabbled in much, till now.

Tips brought to you by 'Warri0r', who you may have had the misfortune of interacting with on Twitter. Prices taken from bet365 unless stated otherwise. 

Super League: Round 5
Salford v Huddersfield (Thursday)

Sam Halsall (15/8) 2 units
Adam Swift (11/10) 1 unit
Sam Hewitt (9/2) 0.5 unit

Niall Evalds Man of Match (11/2) 0.5 unit

It’s hard to know what morale is like in the Salford camp but it’s fair to assume that it’s not the best, given the loss of talisman Marc Sneyd and the continued absence of other key players such as Nene McDonald and Tim Lafai.

Huddersfield have been unlucky not to register a win yet this season and I am expecting that this may change on Thursday night. Their pack has held up well versus some of the better packs in the league and I think they’ll be relishing the chance to get stuck in to this weaker Salford squad. I certainly expect Huddersfield to have their fair share of field position and given their ability to shift the ball reasonably well to both edges, I am actually going to put up both wingers, Adam Swift (11/10) and Sam Halsall (15/8) as tips in this game.

Sam Halsall, who is a brilliant finisher yet still at the start of his career, is preferred at the prices currently available. I am also taking a speculative shot on Sam Hewitt (9/2). Sam runs a nice line and after scoring v Wigan, he can surely do the business often enough versus a downtrodden Salford with new edge combinations, to make this a reasonable bet.

A final selection on this game sees us take the 11/2 on Niall Evalds to be man of the match. If Huddersfield get on top he should have plenty opportunity to showcase his attacking prowess, and Sky Sports are certainly not against giving out this award to a player making a debut.

Selections

Sam Halsall (15/8) 2 units
Adam Swift (11/10) 1 unit
Sam Hewitt (9/2) 0.5 unit

Niall Evalds Man of Match (11/2) 0.5 unit

~Warri0r (@Sharks111064831)