Friday 19 December 2014 09:48, UK
Barrie and Terry are back to tear into each other once more as they go head-to-head with their Super League predictions.
Last season Terry pipped Barrie to the post and proved to be the most successful tipster – but Barrie is determined to make amends in 2014! With one game to go – the Grand Final – Barrie has a one point lead, can he hold Terry off?
CURRENT STANDINGS:
Barrie - 159
Terry - 158
Wigan v St Helens: Grand Final, 5pm, Sat Sky Sports 1 HD
Barrie says: The smart money would go on Wigan for this game. They are the in-form team and their performances have been very impressive. They look mentally tough and ready to retain the Super League trophy. But I don’t think you can write-off St Helens and I think their recent forms shows that the can stand toe-to-toe with Wigan. The main focus for them is in the halfbacks…or the lack of them! However I watched Mark Flanagan play as a No.6 as a junior and Lance Hohaia is an international halfback of some repute. They are not natural halfbacks but what Saints have managed to do over the last few months is really hone in and simplify what they are doing. Their game revolves around James Roby and what he does at the base of the play of the ball. Everything starts at that spot with him. He is quite capable of winning this game for Saints.
The 1998 Challenge Cup final was a dark day for Wigan when they played against Sheffield. My mate Tez was at the heart of everything that went wrong for the Warriors that day – even when he was sat on the bench! In 2014 they may be favourites again but in a two horse race, both have a chance of winning
Prediction: Saints know that they have to play at 100% to have a chance and if they do and a couple of Wigan players have an off day then it could be 1998 all over again! St Helens to be crowned champions with a six point win.
Terry says: I think it was in round 25 where Wigan got beaten by Widnes. There was only four points in it but it seemed to give the warriors the kick up the backside that they needed. They have gone into the play-offs in fine form and are looking superb. I look at Wigan and what they have got and they have it all: Two excellent halfbacks, speed out wide and some big, strong forwards.
There is a big doubt over Mickey McIlorum going into this game and if he does not play then that could really open this game up for James Roby. Roby is crucial for Saints and the man who I think is crucial for Wigan is Sean O'Loughlin, his presence really lifts the side and I think he will play a vital role on Saturday.
Prediction: The forwards will dictate who wins this game, I have no doubt about that and I think Wigan will win this by 14 points.
