Betting: Back Wolves to inflict Grand Final pain on injured Warriors
WARRINGTON should go into tomorrow’s Super League Grand Final against Wigan as huge favourites.
With both sides at full-strength it would be an unbelievably close game to call, but Wigan are decimated by injuries and the Wolves should take advantage.
Sam Tomkins, a player included in every Super League dream team from 2008 until his move to the NRL in 2014, is definitely out and hard-hitting skipper Sean O'Loughlin is also a big doubt to play.
Long term injuries to back-rower Joel Tomkins and hooker Michael McIlorum, who crossed the whitewash in Wigan’s 2013 Grand Final victory over today’s opponents, puts them out of the picture too.
Under the lights in front of 70,000 at Old Trafford, the remaining Wigan squad are sure to notice the absent quartet of hugely influential players. In the opposing dressing room, Warrington could be bolstered by the return of talented Aussie Chris Sandow, and he would give them a big edge in the halves.
The Wolves shade favouritism at 5/6 with Betway and they look a solid bet to secure their first ever Grand Final victory.
Although the Cherry and Whites are sure to front up in the pack, with the likes of Ben Flower and Taulima Tautai driving it up the middle, Warrington will get the better of them out in the channels.
If Wolves get the room to play out wide, then they could run in a bunch of tries. Sporting Index’s total Warrington tries quote looks a shade low at 3.1-3.4, so the advice is to buy at 3.4.
A final punt should be had on Kurt Gidley being named Man of the Match at 12/1 with Betway. The Aussie fullback never leaves anything out on the pitch and has the experience and ability to shine on the big stage.
Pointers
Warrington Wolves to win 5/6 (Betway)
Kurt Gidley Man of the Match 12/1 (Betway)