There are four more matches in the Super League on Friday night with the top and the bottom both in the spotlight once again as we get ever nearer to the mid-season split. As ever on Friday’s we have a TV match and then there are three away from the cameras. We begin with the TV game.
Hull FC vs Leeds Rhinos
The leaders Hull FC allowed the chasing pack to draw nearer to them when they slipped up against Huddersfield last week and they will be aiming to avoid another failure against Leeds in this match. You don’t very often get free matches in Super League at this stage of the season but that is what Leeds have here as they know they are going to be in the Middle 8s whatever happens now.
Hull not only lost last week but they looked leggy with isn’t ideal and they will have to do without Frank Pritchard in this match as he is injured and he is potentially a huge loss to them. Gareth Ellis returns against his former club which is a boost though.
Leeds will give a debut to recent signing James Segeyaro and they have a lot of their best players back for this match which is one of the reasons for their struggles so they should be able to enjoy themselves for the next three weeks before the serious stuff resumes again.
I’m not sure whether Leeds can win this but Hull FC seemed to realise for the first time this season just where they are last week and if they get nervy and edgy then the Rhinos would have a chance. Even when they were fluent and flowing nicely though Hull FC rarely put teams away emphatically and Leeds have been competent on the road this season. I’ll take them with the 10pt start they receive.
Hull KR vs Huddersfield
Huddersfield have finally got something to build on after their solid win over Hull FC last week and they’ll be aiming for a quick fire Hull double when they head to an injury ravaged Hull KR. Hull KR did brilliantly to hold Warrington last week having had a man sent off but I fancy that will take its toll here.
KR will miss James Green who was sent off last week and a side who were already ravaged with injuries could have done without that. Not only do Huddersfield come in here with plenty of momentum but they have their talisman Danny Brough back from suspension as well and those two things combined can see the Giants to victory here.
St Helens vs Widnes
St Helens and Widnes do battle at Langtree Park in what should be an entertaining match. Saints have Luke Walsh back from injury although they do lose Adam Swift which isn’t ideal while Widnes given a debut to recent recruit Greg Burke which should make them more solid through the middle which they will hope the likes of Kevin Brown can exploit with his wizardry.
Saints have to give up an 8pt start which on the face of it doesn’t look much but Widnes do score points and with their top eight spot near enough secured they can play with freedom and challenge the home side here. This one feels like a no bet match and that is how I will play it.
Wigan vs Wakefield
Revenge will be on the minds of the Wigan players in this match after the drubbing they took at Wakefield earlier in the season when there was a virus running through their squad. They lost by more than 60pts that afternoon so the one thing we can guarantee is Wigan won’t take their foot off the gas at any point.
They do have a few injuries mounting up though Wigan and while they will want to extract the maximum revenge I’m sure there will be an element of what is to come in their thinking which makes me think the 20pts they are giving up could be a little too much. Without the injuries I’d take Wigan to cover but those injuries are just enough to put me off here.
Tips
WON – Back Leeds (+10) to beat Hull FC for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with Titanbet
Back them here:
Back Huddersfield to beat Hull KR for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with NetBet
Back them here:
