There are three more matches in the Super League on Friday night with the battle for the top four really in focus along with the race to secure Super League rugby next season so this should be a really interesting evening of action.
We have a televised match which is St Helens vs Catalans while the other game in the top section is Castleford vs Wigan and then in the qualifiers Leeds host Hull KR in a match between two sides who will hope to be back in Super League next season.
St Helens vs Catalans Dragons
This game is big for both sides. In fact it could be the biggest game of the season for the pair of them. Catalans go into the match in fifth spot in the table, two points behind St Helens who are on a real roll at the minute so if the French side lose they will be four points back with just five matches left and it will be hard to make the playoffs from there.
St Helens go into this match off the back of six successive wins including a good win over Warrington last week although they were fortunate to get a jaded Warrington after their cup exploits. A full strength squad has been the catalyst to their success so it is no surprise they are unchanged for this match.
Catalans were one of the sides of the season in the first 15 rounds but they hit an alarming dip in the ending of the regular season but the week off came at the right time for them and they have been able to get players back and they came out of their slumber with a solid win over Widnes last week although that win was done no favours form wise on Thursday night. Pat Richards aside Catalans are largely at full strength themselves now.
This should be fiercely competitive just because Catalans Dragons are pretty much drinking in the last saloon and as such the 10pt start they get from the bookmakers just looks a little too big to me. I have full respect for St Helens and their current form but if there is a pack they can’t overpower it could be this one and perhaps it is no surprise that the Dragons have won both meetings this season.
With that in mind I’m with Catalans here with Todd Carney pulling the strings to at least start within single figures if not actually pinch a tight match.
Castleford Tigers vs Wigan Warriors
We saw the very best of Castleford last week while we couldn’t really judge Wigan given that they were up against an injury ravaged Wakefield. I would expect Wigan to win this match if for nothing else because of their motivation but I said last week this Castleford side are dangerous now they are playing for pride and with freedom for the rest of the season.
If pushed I’d take Wigan but I’m certainly not confident they cover a try in this match so the best thing is to leave it alone and focus on the other match.
Leeds Rhinos vs Hull KR
After both these sides enjoyed emphatic wins over Championship sides last week it isn’t overstating it to say that the winners of this match will almost be assured of Super League rugby next season. In truth both sides should be too good for the rest and with that should retain status anyway but the quicker it can be secured the better from a pressure point of view.
Since James Segeyaro came in for the Rhinos they have been excellent. We know all about their issues at the beginning of the campaign but they are largely behind them now and we can get back to enjoying a proper Leeds side for the last six matches of the campaign.
Hull KR are always dangerous but they never convince me defensively and even now they are still battling with a few injuries. I would be interested to see their starting line up here as I wouldn’t be completely surprised if they rest one or two important players knowing their safety will be secured in their home matches against the Championship sides rather than busting a gut here and potentially narrowly losing.
At the end of the day Leeds Rhinos are just the better side of these two. They are flying again now and I’m confident they’ll cover a dozen points here. If this was last season when the Rhinos were going well we would be looking at a cap approaching double this one so I’m more than happy to be on to cover 12.
Tips
Back Catalans Dragons (+10) to beat St Helens for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Ladbrokes
Back them here:
Back Leeds Rhinos (-12) to beat Hull KR for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Bwin
Back them here:
