The World Club Challenge went the way of the NRL and on Saturday Australia’s leading league will get the chance to confirm their dominance over the Super League when two more matches between clubs from the opposing competitions take place.
The two challenge matches are just friendly battles but there is never anything that is truly a friendly where Australia and England are concerned so we can expect these matches to be very competitive indeed.
St George Illawarra Dragons vs Hull FC
The opening match of the two sees the St George Illawarra Dragons boasting James Graham and Gareth Widdop in their ranks, taking on Hull FC who may well be smarting from their defeat to Wigan Warriors in the Super League last week.
Graham will make his debut for the Dragons in this match as will Australian international Ben Hunt in what looks like a strong home side. On the flip side of that Hull FC will be without some of their power with Danny Houghton, Scott Taylor and Mark Minichello all missing.
We don’t truly know how serious the home side will be here but we saw a real gulf in class between Melbourne and Leeds on Friday and I fancy that will be on show here too. I’m with the Dragons to win and cover a couple of scores.
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South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Wigan Warriors
The final match of the double header of exhibitions games on Saturday sees the Burgess brothers and their South Sydney Rabbitohs taking on a Wigan Warriors side who already have one win on their Australian adventure and will be looking for a second in this match.
South Sydney are just beginning their pre-season preparations and as such they have left some big names out of their side in favour of some of their youngsters. Sam Burgess misses the match but his two brothers will feature although how long they will play is anyone’s guess.
One thing that is not guesswork is that Shaun Wane will want his Wigan side to win this match. He prides his side on their hard to beat nature and the opportunity to get one over an Australian side will be one he makes sure his side relishes. I think Wigan are the best equipped to beat an Australian team and they can show it here.
Tips
Back St George Illawarra Dragons (-12) to beat Hull FC for a 3/10 stake at 1.91 with Coral
Back them here:
Back Wigan Warriors (-2) to beat South Sydney Rabbitohs for a 3/10 stake at 1.91 with Boylesports
Back them here:
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