After a pulsating clash between Wigan and Widnes on Thursday night we return with three more matches in the Super League on Friday with the TV game looking a tasty dish between Leeds and St Helens.
Leeds vs St Helens
Leeds go into this match off the back of a mauling at Wigan last week but they say you have to hit rock bottom to start climbing the ladder again and maybe that is what will happen here.
St Helens are starting to build up a real head of steam and they will fancy their chances of victory here against a Leeds side who have started the season in woeful form.
Injuries have been a large reason why Leeds have struggled this year so they will be delighted to have Danny Maguire, Joel Moon, Carl Ablett and Brett Delaney back for this match.
St Helens have brought Jack Owens, Andre Savelio and Travis Burns back into their squad for this match so both sides look to be going into the game close to full strength which should make for a really good spectacle.
A lot of people are talking about Leeds’ recent dominance over St Helens and of course that exists but that was a Leeds side with Sinfield, Peacock, Leuluai et al in their ranks. This one doesn’t have that so I’m not sure how relevant it can be.
Even though Leeds have a few players back they might need a bit of time to get up to speed and they might not get that time against a Saints side who should be buzzing with confidence after the way they have played since the World Club Series. At the prices I think St Helens have to be the call here.
Hull FC vs Wakefield
It has been another turbulent week for Wakefield with the former Hull KR coach Chris Chester announced as their new main man this week but he faces a tough start here as his side have plenty of injuries to contend with.
I fully expect Hull to win this game and it might be that last week’s humbling where the players were reported to have told the coaching staff to leave so that they could have their own dressing down between themselves has provided the kick up the arse they need but I can’t be backing a side who’ve just been absolutely tonked so I’ll sit this one out.
Warrington vs Castleford
One of the matches of the round is this one between Warrington with an undefeated record this season and Castleford who love nothing more than turning up and giving the big teams a good going over.
Warrington have looked really good this season. Chris Sandow and Kurt Gidley already look like a half back combination that is going to earn plenty of silverware at the Halliwell Jones but there is a young and exciting side being put together around them.
One or two injuries are just starting to mount up for the Tigers and that isn’t ideal. Luke Dorn is out of this game while Ben Roberts will be missing too. Even so Castleford have still shown they have plenty of spirit in their ranks and they get a fairly big start in terms of 12pts here but it isn’t quite enough to lure me in. I’ll sit this one out too.
Back St Helens to beat Leeds for a 4/10 stake at 2.30 with Coral
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