The Super League returns after the Challenge Cup break on Thursday night with a Yorkshire derby as Leeds Rhinos host Castleford Tigers in front of the TV cameras at Headingley.
This is a big match for Leeds, as they all will be from here on in because they need to win nearly every match if they are going to push for the top four. Realistically they are already just playing for Super League survival. Castleford need to find some consistency if they are to reach the postseason.
Leeds Rhinos
It has been a disaster of a campaign so far for the Rhinos and their defeat to Huddersfield in the Challenge Cup last week was further indication of their struggles. They never really landed a blow on Huddersfield in that match which must be a concern.
We know all about the injuries and the players who retired in the close season but Leeds have had long enough to establish some sort of pattern and while their training issues aren’t ideal I would still have expected better from them.
Castleford Tigers
Unlike their opponents here the Tigers had a wonderful win in the Challenge Cup last week which should have restored a bit of confidence after some recent struggles in the Super League.
Castleford are always at their best when they are the underdogs and that is the position they find themselves in here. I believe their recent Super League dip in form was down to injuries but with players coming back we might well see more of the Castleford we have enjoyed watching over the last couple of years.
Team news
Leeds are set to welcome Danny Maguire back into the ranks for this one but they remain without some significant players in their back line not least Ryan Hall and Joel Moon. Tom Briscoe is another who will be missing so Leeds look exposed there.
Castleford will have Luke Dorn and Luke Gale back for this match which is excellent news for them. Paddy Flynn has joined on loan from Widnes and he is set to start this one as well so apart from the long term injury victim Andy Lynch, Castleford look close to full strength.
Betting
I couldn’t be backing Leeds to win this one. Certainly not at the odds and not the way that they are playing. Castleford look great value to win the match to me but they do have the intimidation factor to deal with of being in Leeds’ shadow a little bit.
I don’t think that will be as big here because of the struggles Leeds have had but it does put me off backing Castleford to win. I probably would have chanced them if we were only getting a one score handicap on the visitors but the fact we can get them with an eight point start I’m going to adopt the safety first approach here.
Castleford are capable of putting up plenty of points and with Leeds just struggling for a bit of creativity and their usual power out wide I expect Castleford to stay within eight but I wouldn’t be surprised if they actually win on the night.
Tips
WON – Back Castleford (+8) to beat Leeds for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Skybet
Back them here:
