Super League Betting Preview

Super League continues to go from strength to strength, and all the indications are for this trend to continue when Super League X gets under way this weekend. The clubs have been busy in the transfer markets, and all see the Grand Final at Old Trafford as there ultimate goal, although for several a top six finish would be reason enough to celebrate, whilst for others relegation avoidance provides the focus to the campaign.In the latter category are most certainly Leigh, who won promotion by taking the National Division One title last season. Their coach Tommy Martyn will be hoping that the Centurions can claim some notable scalps in their first visitation to the big time, but his self-confessed ambition is to avoid the drop, and as such there is little point is showing interest in the regular season winners market. They are priced at 5000/1 and with two clubs destined to go down, it looks like a difficult fate for them to avoid.This will be a unique campaign for Leeds Rhinos fans, as they can no longer carry the 'long-suffering mantle, having won the Grand Final last term. This was their first Championship success, and reduced their legions of loyal fans to hysteria, especially as their victory was over Bradford Bulls, their high achieving local rivals.Most of the squad has stayed the same, and in Tony Smith they have a superb coach. His record with limited resources at Huddersfield led him to the Headingley post, and a place in Rhinos folklore is already assured. Signing Gareth Ellis was a masterstroke, and the fans are already talking of an unbeaten season. A 39-32 win over the Canterbury Bulldogs in the World Club Challenge just last week will have done nothing to detract from these optimists either. However, it should be said that Bradford looked similarly awesome at this time last year, but they struggled to take the form into the Super League.They have been prone to lapses in seasons past too, and even though consistency was far more in evidence last season, they did lose at home to Bradford convincingly in the first of their post-season showdowns last year. They are the 5/4 favourites to top the table at the end of the regular season, and whilst they are sure to be in the mix, we feel there is better value elsewhere.Bradford Bulls once again look likely to be the main challengers and their price is 5/2. Brian Noble, who also doubles up as the Great Britain coach will be keen to regain their Championship winning status, and there are several reasons for him to be optimistic. One of the main ones comes in the shape of Iestyn Harris. The Welshman signed for the club in the midst of last season, and his performances were steadily improving towards the end of the year, and also for GB in the Tri Nations.They have also added to their forward pack with Andy Lynch of Castleford, and Brad Meyers of Brisbane arriving at Odsal, and the squad is packed with talent. Much rests on the shoulders of Robbie Paul after a disappointing effort last year, but the class of the Kiwi is certain and we expect him to be back to his best.The last ten contests at home have been won by the Bulls, and a fine post season 26-12 win away at Leeds showed exactly what can be done when everything clicks into gear. A pre season thrashing of Huddersfield also bodes well, and at 5/2 the three time winners look the way to go.St. Helens are next in line at 11/2, and their preparation has been hit by their new signing Michael Smith quitting the camp just four days before the start of the season. Ian Millward will also have to do without prop Keith mason for the fist six weeks or so, and although they can never be discounted, we are not interested at this price. On their day they are a match for anyone, but if injuries or suspensions start becoming a factor, their threat is far weaker. This was very well evidenced last year when Martin Gleeson and Sean Long were out of the picture from shortly after the Challenge Cup win. It is not a coincidence that Saints form went with them.Wigan are also in the strange situation of having lost a player before he has even started a game, in their case it is 31 year old Australian Luke Davisco. His reasons are down to injury, but Denis Betts has also failed in his mission to sign front row forwards Michael Vella and Bryan Fletcher in the close season, whilst Adrian Lam is a notable retiree. Perhaps even more significantly, talisman and 2004 Man of Steel Andy Farrell will miss the first portion of the season due to injury. At the JJB Stadium they have a fantastic record, and home form is pivotal to any sustained challenge. However, there is not as much class or depth in their squad as there is in some others, and as such we do not think they can gain the long-term consistency required to top this market. 15/2 is the best price available.With each of the big four covered, it may be worth looking further down the lists to try and identify who may be able to challenge. Last season the surprise package was Hull, who spent much of the year in the top two before eventually running out of steam. Stephen Kearney is a good signing, but we are doubtful whether they can manage to punch above their weight once more, especially without inspirational coach Shaun McRae. 25/1 is available and they begin with a match against English and World Champions, Leeds Rhinos.Warrington look long at 100/1, especially as coach Paul Cullen has managed to sign Great Britain back Martin Gleeson. His skills should serve what was the Wolves weakness during 2004, namely the back division, but with the each way prices only covering the top two finishers, it is hard to get excited.Other clubs worth mentioning include London Broncos who finished well last term, although have lost several men including Dennis Morran and Jim Dymock. They will be hoping to improve on their 10th place of last year and are 500/1 in this market. Of all the sides perhaps Huddersfield have done the best transfer business, with Chris Thorman replacing Brendan Costin, and the Aussie duo of Brad Drew and Michael De Vere bringing a great deal of experience. They are also at 500/1, and players do not come any harder than De Vere, the man who once had his head stapled pitch side so as to continue playing in a State of Origin contest.It looks set to be a fascinating season as ever, but as regards the outright betting, we are going to plump for Bradford Bulls at 5/2.