The race for the top four in Super League is really hotting up with just two rounds of matches to go after this one before the Super Eights begin and two sides heavily involved in that race meet at Langtree Park on Friday night when St Helens entertain the Huddersfield Giants.
St Helens were setting the pace in the early stages of the season but they have faltered since Easter and not been able to get any consistency. Huddersfield took a while to get up and running but now they have hit top form so it is slightly surprising that Saints are 4/7 favourites with Stan James.
St Helens have lost their last two in Super League although they did see off Widnes in the cup in between those matches. In fairness they lost an absolute classic to Castleford but it will be worrying for Kieron Cunningham how easily Leeds saw them off last week.
Injuries aren’t helping the Saints and the full back position seems to have a curse attached to it. They have signed Adam Quinlan from the Parramatta Eels to play in that position but he only arrived in the country on Monday so you would think he could struggle to join in the attacking plays. Jon Wilkin is also missing for Saints which isn’t helpful.
Having lost their opening three matches of the season Huddersfield have bounced back nicely and have only lost four out of 17 since then as they look to push for a place in the top four and with it a playoff spot.
They have had their fair share of injuries this season too and Brett Ferres remains out injured but the Giants haven’t missed him as they have won their last three matches and head to Langtree in excellent form.
The last two matches between the sides have been tight affairs with one point and three points separating them so we should expect a tight match here and one where defences are on top even though conditions will suit free flowing rugby.
Saints are always likely to be favourites on their own patch but they were dreadful against Leeds last week and Jon Wilkin admitted as much and that has to be a concern. I think they will be stronger defensively in this match but I wonder about their attacking play a little.
Huddersfield have no such issues in that regard. They have put up 30pts or more in their last three matches and seen off Warrington and Hull KR in that time and with Brough’s kicking game and the strength the Giants have in the backs I fancy them to edge a tight one here. Given that matches between these two are usually tight it could be worth pushing the boat out and backing the Giants to win by 1-12.
Back Huddersfield to win by 1-12 for a 3/10 stake at 4.00 with Coral
