St Helens for second-half Cup spree

St Helens are a prohibitive price to land the Challenge Cup at Wembley against Hull on Saturday, even at a best-priced 1-6 with Blue Square - totesport offer 1-12.

It is easy to see where the bookmakers are coming from, with Saints having won their past 20 matches in all competitions and eyeing a third straight Challenge Cup win.

They have not been beaten in the cup for more than three years, although omen seekers will note that it was Hull who inflicted that defeat, by 34-8 in a semi-final at Huddersfield in 2005.

Hull have had a dreadful year, pre-season high hopes sinking in a mass of injuries. The Black and Whites are eleventh in Super League, and that just about sums up the difference between the two sides - Hull are massive 13-2 outsiders with Bet365.

Although the overall market offers little to anyone other than money-buyers, the handicap market provides more scope. Saints are 16-point favourites at evens with totesport, while Hull have an 18-point start, also at evens, at Bet365.

Among the numerous bets, however, none appeals more than the 4-5 offered by Skybet about more points being scored in the second half.

Saints are without New Zealand prop Jason Cayless and fellow forward Maurie Fa’asavalu is doubtful, and without their power, Hull can hope to be competitive up front early on.

However, with a hot afternoon forecast Hull may struggle to maintain their tempo and Saints are expected to pull away in the later stages.