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In The Know: With Tipster Ste

Friday 5th March 2010

Bradford Bulls v Wigan Warriors
 
 Both teams had somewhat different games last week in preparation for this fixture. The Bulls fought out a hard earned victory away at the Willows against Salford City Reds whilst Wigan over came a lack lustre Catalan Dragons in a very comfortable victory.
 
 That win at Salford was Bradford's second consecutive win after defeating Castleford the week before. The Bulls are still learning to play with one another after a huge influx of new signings in the off-season. Without doubt, the orchestra for the Bulls is mega star signing Matt Orford. However, do the Bulls have the legs to compete with a youthful Wigan Warriors?
 
 Wigan have had an outstanding start to the season under new Michael Maguire and go from strength to strength each week. Could this be the year that Wigan go one-step further than the semi finals?
 
 A key battle in this fixture will be Sam Tomkins versus Matt Orford. A sign of a great player is when after being anonymous for much of a game they spring to life with a piece of magic that brings their team to life. That is exactly what young Tomkins did at Warrington two weeks ago to drag Wigan back into the game with a wonderful chip and chase which resulted in his older brother scoring a great try.
 
 The only downside to this game could well be the Grattan Stadium pitch, which is not in good condition. Hopefully both teams will over come the pitch and provide another Super League classic.
 
 Only one winner for me and its Wigan to continue their great start to the season.
 
 Result - Wigan Warriors to win by 1-12 Points (15/8)
 
 
 Wakefield Trinity Wildcats v Huddersfield Giants
 
 Both Wakefield and Huddersfield have had great starts to Super League XV but both go into this fixture on the back of defeats too St Helens and Warrington respectively. Both defeats came in very close matches that could have gone either way.
 
 Wakefield like most seasons it seems have started as everyone's tips not to make the play-offs but year in year out John Kear gets his teams to rise to the challenge. The Wildcats have also had to over come the loss of Terry Newton who was recruited in the off-season.
 
 Huddersfield are a formidable side under Nathan Brown and he has dragged this team into a top four Super League club. Built on the youth of the Wigan team from 5/6 years ago coupled with overseas signings such as man of steel Brett Hodgson the Giants are a real force.
 
 One player who continually impresses me for Huddersfield is Earl Crabtree who really has become an international player under Nathan Brown. The Giants must be pleased big Earl is contracted for another five years.
 
 The main man for the Wildcats is Danny Brough who really is such an under rated player. He certainly performs his best rugby league under John Kear, I wonder if Kear could get the best out of Danny at international level?
 
 I am really looking forward to a hard fought Yorkshire derby between two fiercely committed teams. This game could go either way but I just think the Giants will edge it.
 
 Result - Huddersfield to be winning at half time/full time (6/4)
 
 Yours in Sport:
 
 Tipster Ste