Super League: Wigan welcome Castleford in Super 8s
Wigan will be hoping to muster a response to their narrow 18-14 defeat against bitter rivals St Helens last time out and are massively odds-on at 1/6 to beat Castleford.
The Tigers actually did Shaun Wane’s side a favour last time out, beating Leeds Rhinos, to ensure that Wigan stayed tied on points with Brian McDermott’s outfit at the top of the Super League.
Meanwhile, speaking ahead of the Tigers clash, Wane talked up the talents of young centre Oliver Gildart, who has impressed in recent weeks, with the Wigan coach saying the place is his to lose.
“He has surprised me a bit, yes, because earlier this year he was a fair way off, physically,” said Wane. “But he’s worked hard in the gym, he’s stronger, and more confident.
“He’s doing everything I want from him, he’s doing the simple things well. He’s taken his chance, and he’s earned his place in the side. I think he’s doing a great job. He’s still developing, he’s going to get better and better, but he’s a smart centre, a classy footballer.
“I’m really pleased for him, he’s done well, and it’s a testament to our youth system.”
Gildart is odds-on at 4/5 to cross anytime, while Liam Farrell, who returns to the squad following injury can have a huge impact on the match, both in defence and attack.
With 12 tries this season, he is the Cherry and Whites third top scorer, while Dominic Manfredi who also returns to the side is 7/1 to score first and is a huge try-scoring threat.
For the visitors, Luke Gale can be instrumental, having scored a brace against the Rhinos last time out, and is 9/4 to cross again anytime.
Cas coach Daryl Powell paid tribute to his side’s victory over Leeds last time, saying: “It was an edgy win. Obviously any win you get at Headingley is a big one.
“We got off to a pretty unbelievable start and we’ve done that three games on the spin now where we’ve rattled the opposition.
“They got a bit of a foothold and we struggled. It was edgy but you expect it to be that way when you come here.
“I’d like to see us have a bit more control of games at times but the reality is when you play a team like Leeds they are going to put you under some pressure and they are going to score some points,” he continued.
“We were pretty close last year when I thought we played superbly to draw.
“This was more about guts and determination and a little bit of composure at the end.
“Our belief is growing that we can go anywhere and win games. We’ve got some key players to come back in the coming weeks and I don’t see why we can’t challenge anybody.”
Winger Denny Solomona looked dangerous for the Tigers against Leeds, also getting on the scoresheet and is 11/10 to cross again anytime, while Luke Dorn who also crashed over, is 6/5 in the same market.
Coral’s top tip: Manfredi first scorer @ 7/1 with Coral
