tadley

Bulldogs narrowly beat struggling Eels last week despite having most of the possession and the superior completion rate. That highlights their problems: they get plenty of the ball and use it well, but it doesn't end in tries. They may struggle to get as much possession against an impressive Sea Eagles side that often boss possession but, critically, are more clinical with it.

De Decker looked like being a real force when winning the 2024 World Grand Prix, but he's clearly regressed since then. His form coming into this isn't great, winning just 4 of his last 15. O'Connor recently reached the final of Players Event 20, and although he lost in the first round of his two subsequent events, he was back on it with a 6-3 win over De Graaf yesterday. He is the more solid, reliable player, so looks the bet.

The pair met at the end of May with Woodhouse winning 6-3. It was a close encounter though, with uncharacteristically poor finishing by Gilding. I don't expect him to be as poor today, so I think this will be closer.

Bradford won comfortably at home by 18 when they met earlier in the season, but this should have an entirely different outcome. Catalans are far stronger at home, and Bradford have really struggled on the road. They have lost all six away games, being outscored 108-209.

Two very unpredictable sides and you never really know how they'll play on any given day. Castleford have been thumped 72-6 by Warrington, 34-0 by Wakefield, 50-10 by Hull and 50-6 by KR. On the flip side they've beaten Wigan by 10 and St Helens by 20. Toulouse have largely struggled at this level but have won their last two away games and beat Castleford by 12 earlier in the season. They do have tries in them and, against a far-from-solid Castleford defence, can hang in there.

Bunting has never lost to Zonneveld, winning all 4 meetings, including one earlier this year. He's in solid form coming into this, having reached the semis of the last Players Championship. I think he keeps up his fine record against Zonneveld.

Since switching to the LIV Tour, Smith's form has clearly deteriorated. There have been positive signs of late, though, with four top-10s from his last 12. That includes a recent 7th at the PGA Championship. I get the impression he relishes his chance to play in the PGA Tour majors, so I can see him going well.

Jacob Bridgeman missed the cut in his only start here but is better than that. Accurate approach play and putting are essential this weekend, and Bridgeman excels in both. His putting is elite, ranking 3rd for SG: Putting on the tour. If he can handle the difficult greens, he could figure it out this weekend.

Ryan Gerard is an elite driver, but his approach play and putting seem to have come on of late, making him of interest. He was second going into the final round at the Charles Schwab, but a poor final round dropped him to 10th. Last time out, though, at the Memorial he did even better, finishing second after a playoff. He's clearly in fine form, so can outperform his odds.

Wyndham Clark won in 2023, so obviously has the ability to go well here. He enters in fine form. He won the recent Bryan Nelson CJ Cup, was third at the Memorial, and last week was 2nd going into the last round, but a poor Sunday dropped him to 11th. He is one of the best putters around, which should stand him in good stead for around here.

Clare won in 2024, but last year it didn't go well. Severe injury problems probably took their toll. They look in better shape this time and can certainly mix it with the best.

Lancashire underperformed, finishing 5th despite having a strong squad. They've really impressed with signings over the winter, enrolling quality players at this level, so I see them doing a lot better than 5th.

Warwickshire finished down in 5th last season but were hampered by drawing nine games, the most in the league. They've strengthened their squad and look capable of a better performance this season.

Verstappen kept himself in the title race last season despite clearly not having the best car. That speaks volumes about his skill, which should see him once again go well this season. Despite him slamming the new regulation, it should be to his benefit as he has the skills to master the new designs. The Red Bull has looked very promising in practice, so I rate him as the most likely winner.