Wire start favourites against the Champions

Well the wait is finally over, at 1945 on Thursday Warrington and Leeds kick off Super League 2018.
Wire are marginal 8/11 favourites to beat the Champions in week one, as they look to repeat their 2016 win over Leeds in the opening game.

We have to expect this opener to be very tight and low scoring, particularly if the weather is poor, so taking the insurance of Leeds getting a 2 point start on the handicap is possibly the value.
These 2 had differing seasons last year, whilst Leeds were finishing 2nd and then being crowned Champions at the Theatre of dreams, Warrington had to fight for survival in the middle 8 ( something the Rhinos know all about) .
You can get around 6/5 for an away win but I always think the slightly lesser odds of a 2 point start offers a better chance and more value.

I certainly can’t see more than a converted try in it either way, but just fancy Leeds to get home by 1-5 points.
Brian Mcdermott’s side haven’t got the best of records at the HJ, but can put that right in the season opener.
Very risky betting so early in the season, some players will still be smarting over the World Cup, but fit again Ben Currie will be like a new signing for Warrington and the could be the value for the 1st try.
As for the man of the match, new signing Murdoch-Masila could catch the eye of the Sky crew and in what could be tough conditions I think Matt Parcell will be key for Leeds.

In the nights other game Aussie bound Hull FC should be too strong for Huddersfield and justify odds of 1/3 favouritism but I think with a long trip down under to come they may struggle to cover the 8 point handicap.
Giants fans can get around 11/4 for their side.

Friday’s live game sees 2017 runaway League leaders Castleford travel to St Helens.
Again the bookies have this close and I think are right to have St Helens 2 point favourites.
I think Saints could finish this year as league leaders and may just have too much for the Tigers in what again could be a close but entertaining game.

Again it’s around 8/11 for a home win with the visitors around 6/5, but with an inspired Ben Barba having the benefit of a full pre season with his new club I just fancy the hosts to edge it.
It could be a tough start for Luke Gale as he gets over losing 2 big finals in 10 weeks but if Cas do win he’d have to be the value for man of the match.

Roby looks back to his best and would be a Saints,man of the match pick.

It’s hard to look away from Greg Eden for the 1st try after his exploits in 2017, but Barba could offer some value for Saints fans.

2 great games to start us off but it is early days so bear this in mind when staking, I’ll add Fridays non live games later in the week, as always please gamble responsibly