Rugby League - Tupou to contribute to Salford's demise

RUGBY LEAGUE fanatic Andrew Day (@AndyDay81) earmarks his best bet for Friday night's Super League clash between Wakefield and Salford.

Wakefield Trinity v Salford Red Devils | Friday 9th February 2018, 19:35 | Sky Sports

Wakefield had a fantastic 2017 and showed last weekend that 2018 could be even better. Their 28-6 victory away to newly-promtoed Hull KR, whilst not surprising, was impressive given the atmosphere and confidence that a team new to the league bring on the opening day.

Last week I highlighted the interest in seeing how Tom Johnson faired after long-term injury and boy did he confirm he was back. A hat-trick of tries, along with a standout performance from half-back Liam Finn, showed Wakey are looking to start the season exactly how they finished.

Salford started their 2018 season with a 12-40 defeat to Wigan and whilst the Warriors were worthy winners, there were positives to be taken for the Red Devils. Their opening 20 minutes showed signs of their early 2017 form and fans will be hoping they can replicate this for longer periods this weekend.

Wakefield won three out of four against the Red Devils last year, including a comfortable 43-18 win the last time the sides met in the Super 8s, and similar outcome is expected in this one.

Wakefield’s left edge of Johnson and Bill Tupou contributed four of the six tries against Hull KR and it’s clear this is where they will send most of their attacks. Add to that, Wigan’s left edge of Tom Marshall and Oliver Gildart – who scored four of Wigan’s seven tries against Salford – having plenty of success against last weekend, I expect Wakefield to target this chink in the Red Devils’ amour.

I am looking at the try scorer and result markets for this one, and given the stats above, the 15/8 on Tupou to score at any time and Wakefield to win looks generous.