The Super League playoffs are getting closer and closer and for the four sides who will be in them it isn’t just about securing their spot but also going into them with plenty of confidence and momentum and that is what St Helens will be looking to do on Thursday night when they host the Castleford Tigers.
Castleford know that win or lose here there is no way they can make the playoffs but we’ve seen in recent weeks that has only made them more dangerous so this one is nicely set up.
St Helens
Saints go into this match off the back of a fine win over the leaders Hull FC last week. It has to be said that Hull made changes for the match but you can only beat what is in front of you and they did that nicely and with players back for this week they should go from strength to strength.
The main difference and what is making St Helens so dangerous is their attacking options and suddenly they are a point scoring machine with the likes of Adam Swift in excellent form but Jordan Turner has really come to his own in recent weeks and the side have improved because of it.
Castleford Tigers
I’ve said before that the Tigers are the best team in the Super League to watch and when they are in front of the cameras their game seems to get raised again and we’ve seen some of their very best performances this season. When you add in that they have nothing to lose they are very dangerous.
Castleford have a back line to be feared in this competition and arguably the best half back combination in the competition too and if their forwards can match up to the power of the opponent they often take a lot of beating. That is the challenge for them in this one.
Team News
St Helens have the Luke’s Walsh and Thompson back from suspension for this match and they are both straight back into the squad. Shannon McDonnell is one of those left out to compensate for them.
Castleford will be without Andre Savelio as he is on loan from St Helens so is not allowed to play. Gadwin Springer and Grant Millington have been left out but Rangi Chase is in the squad and should start.
Betting
St Helens are the favourites for this match and I would probably go along with that although I don’t think they are certainties to win by any stretch of the imagination. This Castleford Tigers side are hard to play and with nothing to lose they can give the ball plenty of air and become even more dangerous.
The need to win might just see St Helens over the line but I don’t see them winning by more than 14pts. Castleford do score points wherever they go and they can score enough to stay that close to St Helens here if not trouble them much more.
Tips
Back Castleford (+14) to beat St Helens for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Ladbrokes
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