There are two matches left in the opening round of the new Super League season and they are both played on Sunday afternoon as Hull KR, Castleford, Widnes and Wakefield finally get their campaigns underway.
Hull KR host Castleford in a Yorkshire derby while Widnes head across the Pennines to take on a Wakefield side who will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last season’s bottom placed finish.
Hull KR had an excellent season last year. They made it through to the Challenge Cup final and produced some wonderful performances in the Super League. Injuries hampered them the longer the season went on but when they have everyone fit they are a dangerous side, especially at their home ground.
Castleford Tigers were agonisingly close to the playoffs themselves last season. In the end they were one place outside that but they shouldn’t be too downbeat at that because they were punching above their weight for much of the season.
Castleford began last season pretty slowly but were finishing like a train and with a stronger start this season they will be pushing for the playoffs again. They have added three quality players in Joel Monaghan, Ryan Hampshire and Ben Crooks and look as strong as they have for a good few years.
Hull KR have recruited nicely in the off season too but you still sense their hopes will rest on the half-back pairing of Terry Campese and Albert Kelly and so it is a blow that the former is out of this match with a carry-over of the injury he had last season.
The Tigers have a good record in this fixture and I expect them to keep that record up with a win here. I like their mobility in the forwards and the quality of their back line should put up enough points to win and cover a 2pt handicap against a Hull KR side who look like they need a few more weeks to fully gel.
Wakefield and Widnes have had a lot of player turnover in the off season and that isn’t helpful when it comes to betting on their match so I’m going to watch these two sides and see how they line up and play before getting involved so it is just a punt on the Tigers to keep me occupied on Sunday.
Back Castleford (-2) to beat Hull KR for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Bet365
