Tipster Ste – Week 2

After last weeks disappointing handicap treble I hope to bounce back this weekend with the
following treble. Unfortunately again at the time of writing there is no handicaps for this weekends
Northern Rail Cup games.

Hull FC have not beaten Leeds Rhinos since 2007, could tonight see their fortunes change?
I think in front of a passionate home crowd the black and whites will want to avenge their last two
competitive defeats against arch rivals Hull Kingston Rovers.

The addition of Sam Obst could add some spark around the ruck area for FC and I expect Obst
to go straight in to the starting 17 tonight.

Leeds never know when they are beaten and last weeks last gasp victory over Bradford only
strengthened their never say attitude. Could they have uncovered the young player of the year in Ben
Jones-Bishop?

I expect this to be a real advert for Super League and with a 6-point start; I think Hull will win
on the handicap.

Many will question my second choice of Salford City Reds after last weeks horror show.
However, like in Super League XV I expect Salford to be very competitive at home. Its Salford’s last
ever season at the Willows and could tonight be the start of a great farewell season?

Saints are without several key players including James Graham and Paul Wellens, whilst
question marks hang over star player Kyle Eastmond’s future. Saints lost last summer at the Willows
and I think Salford will go real close to winning this game so with an 8-point handicap start Salford are
my choice.

Finally, I end the treble with Crusaders visit to Harlequins. Remarkably, it is Crusaders who
have the handicap start and I think this should be the other way round with Harlequins receiving the
handicap start. Quins were the best team amongst two under performing teams last week. Whilst
Crusaders looked like they are going to continue under Iestyn Harris were they left off in 2010.

Enjoy your rugby league were ever you are this weekend!