Wigan 6/4 to get back to zero points against Saints ?

The new season starts with a bang as Sky screen 2 of the biggest derbies in the sport over the next 2 nights , followed by Leeds trip to Warrington on Saturday .

1st up tonight sees Wigan travel over the Billinge lump to take on fierce rivals and last years table toppers St Helens .This game has been somewhat overshadowed by the Warriors being deducted 2 points for a salary cap breach but that will all be put to one side when the match kicks off .

Super League sponsors Betfred make the Red V 4/7 favourites to win the game with Wigan 6/4 . Note that for all games now go to extra time most firms 3 way markets will be just 80 minutes , so if the game goes to extra time the draw will be settled as the winner . Most firms are still behind the 8-ball with the new rule changes so check rules when placing bets , you can get a 2 way market which includes golden point but the odds will be slightly less and your slip must be clearly marked , if not most will pay on 80 minutes .

I think the new look Saints can start the season with a win here , they have to concede  a 4 point start on the handicap though and games between these 2 are usually tight . Far too early to have a firm view either way , but surely Saints will be looking to put the end to last season behind them and start with a big win against one of their main rivals for honours . The hosts are boosted by the return of a fully fit Walmsley . They include their big 3 winter signings also and could be too strong on the night for Wigan , who have lost Tomkins and Bateman from last year . Hardaker should negate the loss of Tomkins but he may take time to settle . Wigan may also have one eye on the World Club Challenge in 3 weeks ,   I think Saints can win this by around 6-10 points . Saints at 11/10 on the half time full time maybe looks the value here .

New Golden boot winner Tommy Makinson heads 1st try markets at 11/1 but Percival at 14/1 would be my pick . As for the visitors , Hardaker is just too big at 18/1 to get the seasons 1st try .

Anytime try bets last the full 80 minutes and Liam Farrell looks too big at around 3/1 to score anytime in the game .

Friday sees the One True Derby as Hull KR host Hull FC . The Black and Whites had a poor 2018 but were hammered with injuries , the treatment room is starting to clear now and I think they can get their season off to the perfect start with a win at 10//11 . There could be a few points in this and it should be close as the odds suggest , Rovers are even money .  FC just look too strong for their City rivals and could pinch this by the minimum 1-5 points , in an entertaining encounter . The form book can go out of the window in these games and it is very early days though to have an informed view either way .

Jamie Shaul at 14/1 would be my 1st try pick with 10/1 Craig Hall the alternative for the hosts .

Fans expecting a very tight game here can get around 20/1 that it goes to golden point and you certainly can’t rule it out .

We’ll have a look at Wire v Leeds later in the week . as always please gamble responsibly .