Sky Bet's Jordan Fiddes previews the third round of action in the Super League.
Sky Bet's Jordan Fiddes previews the third round Super League fixtures
With some huge winning margins in round one, it was a much tighter affair last weekend as only Catalans and Huddersfield managed to oust their opponents by more than 16 points.
On Friday night, two of the favourites for the title, Wigan and Warrington, fought out a 17-17 draw in a thrilling encounter, and on Sunday Castleford upset the odds to marginally beat arch-rivals Leeds at the Wish Communications Stadium.
This weekend's fixtures are expected to be narrow score lines again, as the only team with a handicap higher than 12 are Leeds, who are at home to struggling Salford.
Although the Rhinos are missing a few key players - Brett Delaney and Ryan Bailey to name a couple - they face a Salford team who have only scored one try in two games and conceded 82 points.
The weather forecast is expected to be kinder to Leeds than last weekend's trip to Castelford so I expect them to beat the -36 handicap given by Sky Bet.
That's not in my bet for this weekend however, as I'm going for a 7/1 treble and, after last weekend's successful first try-scorer tip on Joel Monaghan, I'll be opting for a try-scorer bet in Friday's game at Headingley.
Centre Joel Moon will be facing his former club and is 8/13 to score anytime on Friday night.
He scored on his debut against Hull FC in round one and managed to cross the line nine times in his first season in Super League last year.
Salford have already conceded three tries to the opposing left centre in just games so the omens look good for the Rhinos number four.
Not stopping there, I'm going for another anytime try-scorer in one of Friday's other games, St.Helens at home to Hull FC.
Tony Puletua is 11/8 to score anytime in this one and he is due a try.
In 2012, Puletua averaged a try in every four appearances; however in 2011 he was even more prolific, scoring in more than 50% of his games.
He crossed the line in a 24 all draw with Hull FC in 2011 but, more importantly, he scored a try in this fixture, at this stadium last year.
With James Roby returning to the side, the forwards, including Puletua should see plenty of action on Friday night as the hooker was near the top of the tree for try-assists last term.
Saturday night
The second addition to this weekend's treble is Bradford to beat the handicap of -8 against Castleford in Saturday's televised game.
The Bulls have had a mixed start to the season, hammering Wakefield in the opening round, then losing 28-12 last weekend away at Hull, however I'm expecting them to bounce back on Saturday evening.
One of the biggest factors in this decision is the suspension of Rangi Chase, who will miss the contest at Odsal.
He single-handedly created both of the Tiger's tries against Leeds last week, kicking through for Jordan Tansey to score and a beautiful pass to send Jake Webster in.
Unfortunately, his much debated "tackle" on Zak Hardaker has landed him with a suspension which has prompted Cas' to recruit Gareth O'Brien on loan for a month.
The Tigers lost in both games between the sides last year, including a 46-32 at the home of the Bulls and have only beaten Bradford seven times in the Super League era.
Ironically, the Bulls were given the exact same handicap last year (-8) and went on to win by 14 points. It's 10/11 for Bradford to beat the handicap in this one.
All in all that works out at a little over 7/1 for this week's treble.
View from the Trading Room
"Wigan's trip to Huddersfield will be a real test of their title credentials as they visit a Huddersfield side that is dominating teams up front.
The worry here for the Warriors is that they have a young looking pack and could easily get outmuscled by the Giants and, with Brough and Robinson pulling the strings, the home side look good value.
