Super League Betting Preview
Alongside reigning champions St Helens, Leeds are Super League‘s most successful club, but in the last two seasons they have failed to make the Grand Final.
2015 will be Jamie Peacock‘s last before retiring, and the likes of Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire are also reaching the end of their careers. The Rhinos will be desperate to return to Old Trafford this year, and are 2/1 with Ladbrokes to Reach the Grand Final.
Due to the restructure Brian McDermott’s side will have to play with their famous play-off intensity throughout the regular season, so at a huge 40/1 with Sky Bet and Ladbrokes, there has to be value in backing Tom Briscoe for Top Regular Season Tryscorer. He may have only managed 10 in 2014 but it is worth noting that he was competing for a place with Ben Jones-Bishop, who has since left for Salford.
The other candidates in the Top Tryscorer market are obvious, with favourites Josh Charnley and Joel Monaghan generally priced at around 5/1. Out of the front runners Morgan Escare could be a better choice though, and he can be backed at a best price 7/1 with Stan James. The 23-year-old scored a staggering 27 tries for Catalan last year, and that was without the likes of Todd Carney and Willie Tonga paving the way for him, so it is a fair assumption that he will get even more in 2015.
The Dragons look set to be a very dangerous side and former Dally M Player of the Year Carney will be central to that. At 28 he is in the peak of his career, and with this in mind Bet Victor’s price of 3/1 on him to make the 2015 Super League Dream Team seems quite generous. As regards to his new club finishing in the Top 4, 6/4 is not the most appealing bet, but with Wigan, St Helens, Warrington and Leeds all odds on, there is not much to be found elsewhere.
The Top 8 Finish market does offer some value though, especially if you are backing Widnes at 9/2 with Sky Bet. The Vikings had the consistency to make the play-offs last season and although the teams around them have been busy recruiting in the off-season, there is no guarantee that they have improved enough to finish above Denis Betts’ side. If you are of the opinion that the host of player movements we have seen will prove vital, then it is probably worth looking at Betfred’s special on the two Hull clubs to make the Top 8 at 4/1.
Good luck.
@BetRugbyLeague
