After a hectic Easter period there is no respite for the Super League teams as another round of matches begins on Friday with half the sides in the competition doing battle. There is a TV match and two away from the cameras. We’ll begin our preview with the TV game.
Wigan vs Warrington
This should be a fantastic game as the top two collide at the DW Stadium. Wigan picked up back to back wins over Easter to move level on points with Warrington who lost their unbeaten record when they surrendered in the second half to Hull FC on Monday.
Wigan will welcome Liam Farrell back for this match which is a boost and a needed one too because they lost John Bateman to a concussion in the laboured win over Hull KR on Monday. Since that win it has been revealed that Josh Charnley will move to rugby union at the end of the season so his motivation should be high.
Warrington will have been disappointed to lose from such a strong position in their game at Hull on Monday. Maybe they had half an eye on this match or maybe the Easter period caught up with them but as long as they’ve recovered they should fancy themselves strongly here.
We’ve got a repeat of that classic battle of excellent defence vs top notch attack that we had here a few weeks ago when Widnes were in town against Wigan. Widnes won on that occasion and I fancy Warrington to do the same here. Their half back pairing of Sandow and Gidley will create plenty of scoring opportunities and Warrington are definitely stronger in the hooker position.
Wire have a defence which can prove tough to break down as the likes of Widnes themselves and Castleford have found out in recent times and if that defence can stand tall here the playmakers they have in attack can unlock the door to victory.
Leeds vs Hull KR
Two of the lowest form sides in the league meet here. Both sides were competitive in both their matches over Easter but they both found a way to lose them both and I guess that summed up the season for the pair of them.
Leeds are finally set to welcome Danny Maguire back but injuries are still hurting them quite badly. Hull KR will have Terry Campese back for this match but they’re another side absolutely riddled by injuries.
Injured squads and no form to speak of so soon after the Easter break makes this a bit of a lottery match and this is one particular jackpot I need not gamble for.
St Helens vs Hull FC
Saints go into this match off the back of their win over Widnes on Easter Monday but they still didn’t have as good an Easter period as Hull FC did. The Black and Whites made it back to back wins over Easter with a pair of come from behind victories and they will be buzzing going into this match.
St Helens’ win over Widnes came at a cost as it looks like Tommy Makinson will miss the remainder of the season. With Adam Swift also on the sidelines Saints are starting to run short of wide players and players in their back line in general. If they are to win this they are going to have to get it done down the middle but that won’t be easy against this FC pack.
Hull FC were without some big players against Warrington on Monday but they were still able to turn them over and that will boost their confidence no end. Frank Pritchard, Carlos Tuimavave, Mark Minichiello, Sika Manu and Mahe Fonua are all expected to return for this match and ironically although they would have wanted them on Monday the fact they sat that game out will see them fresher here which could be crucial.
I wouldn’t put anyone off Hull FC winning this match. I think St Helens’ injuries will catch up with them here against a side who should be a lot fresher having missed some players on Monday but this is only four days after the Easter period so I think we should err on the side of caution in this round of matches. With that in mind taking Hull with more than a try head start looks much the better play.
WON – Back Warrington to beat Wigan for a 4/10 stake at 2.30 with Unibet
Back them here:
WON – Back Hull FC (+8) to beat St Helens for a 5/10 stake at 1.80 with Ladbrokes
Back them here:
