Super Rugby League - Les Catalans v St Helens RLFC Rugby betting preview

Challenge Cup Final - Catalans v St Helens - Sat 3pm KO

The first of Rugby League's 2 showpiece finals comes along tomorrow. Traditionally held at Wembley until the twin towers were demolished in 2002. Moved to Cardiff's Millenium Stadium for the last 5 years, there is a buzz about it returning to The New Wembley tomorrow.

Can Les Catalans cause an even bigger upset than they managed in the semi final vs Wigan, by going one better and surprising the mighty Saints in the final.....The first cup final a French team has ever reached....... I cant see it. Its very unlikely. Saints are a big game team. The most successful team in the modern era. Since snow, wind and rain were swapped for warm, dry, sunshine (well in theory!!!!) They know what it takes to win trophies.

The evergreen Keiron Cunningham will captain a full strength Saints team looking for his sixth Challenge Cup final winners medal and I wouldnt be surprised if he walked away with the Lance Todd Trophy (MOTM) as these occassions tend to bring out the best in him - at 11/1 its worth a punt. There is plenty of competition though from the likes of Long, Wellens, Pryce, Wilkin amongst others.

Whilst should Catalans pull off the shock of the century then Stacey Jones will be guaranteed the MOTM trophy. Indeed if the french outfit are to have any chance in this game then the Kiwi Maestro will simply have to perform.

If anyone is temted to back the Catalans to win (best priced 8/1) - dont, back Stacy Jones for the Man Of The Match instead (at 14/1) - cause if they do win, it will be because of him!!

I've looked at all the angles on this game to try and find a value punt. Whilst I fully expect Saints to lift the trophy I simply cant bring myself to back them at 1.13 !!!!

What I do think is that Daniel Anderson will have warned the Saints team not to start off sleepy. The Catalans beat Wigan in the semi final in the frst 22 minutes of that game. Wigan were practically still in the dressing room and conceeded 20 odd points in as many minutes. You cant give a team a start like that, Saints should know that and will look to dominate the early exchanges. Biggest mistake teams make against big underdogs is giving them a sniff that they can win, that just raises their opponents games and puts more pressure on themselves.

Saints will want to score early and put the pressure on the Cats. Always staying in front and not give the French team any hope. Orders from the coach will be no early penalties.

And as long as they dont give away any early penalties then the 1st Scoring play will be Saints TRY. Catalans will probably take easy 2 points if they get the opportunity at 0-0, but I really cant see Saints kicking any early penalties as to be honest Sean Long is not at all confident goal kicking these days and Saints tend to go for the Try anyway.

I priced this up myself at around 1.65-1.75, so to see Stan James go 1.91 Im gonna take it now, they will probaby cut it soon. Like Bet365 have.

Anyone who likes a 1st tryscorer bet, I have to say Francis Meli is never far away in big games so 12/1 (E/W 1,2,3,4) is a decent price. As is the 6/5 about Paul Wellens scoring anytime (Bet365).

Or dont have a bet and enjoy the game.........



Pick : 1st Scoring Play - St Helens TRY
Odds : 1.91
Stake : 7 / 10
Bookmaker : Stan James
Match Result :
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