Here is a different tip:

Huddersfield Giants to win the league, at a highly attractive 4/1, with Stan James.

They are just one point behind Wigan with worse points difference.

But if you look at five of their six remaining fixtures, you would predict five wins from three home matches v Castleford, Salford and Wakefield and two away games at London and Bradford.

Whilst by comparison Wigan have got St Helens and Catalans away plus Home games v Hull KR, Hull FC and Leeds, and it would be a far bigger ask for the sweep. Given their recent form, which is shaky, it would be a big surprise to win five times from five.

What makes this particularly intriguing is that Huddersfield are still to play at the DW Stadium.

If Huddersfield win, you would then just need them to hold their nerve and beat London, Wakefield and Bradford, with all these teams likely to have no play offs chance by the time they play.

But if Wigan drop two games, Huddersfield would not even need to win at the DW stadium.

Just a thought
Mark

As a pie eater by birth, and looking at Wigans current form, I think you have a very good argument.

I was a bit lazy but have bet £39.55 at 7/2 with Ladbrokes, rather than the better 4/1, for a potential return of £177.98.

Assuming odds of around evens, I will consider betting on Wigan v Huddersfield around match day, thus if I bet £40 and Wigan win and scuppers the Giants chances, then I will get my stake back.

And if the Giants win I will likely pocket £177.98 minus my two stakes, so a nice profit of £100.

Unless Giants screw up bad, but then that is what happens when you are a punter.

I can't see Wigan being much below evens, they have lost at the Giants and the Bookies won't suck any money in if they are too tight when there is a genuine chance of an upset.

Also, I would think Wigan would be prepared to risk missing out on the League Leader's shield for other trophies but no way would Huddersfield miss out their biggest trophy and first top level championship since 1962.

Almost my thoughts precisely (albeit with slight changes in the actual figures). Therefore we're doomed...

We would be without the Soward factor. He can enthuse, organise and win a game on his own. The Eagles players will not have played against a player of his standard. Too close to call IMO.