There are four matches in the Super League on Friday night with the focus of attention coming in the qualifiers despite there being a couple of Super 8s clashes. With the final week of the regular season only a week away Sky have switched their matches around to be able to show three Super 8 clashes next week.
That means the TV match on Friday night is the one between Hull KR and the Catalans Dragons which we will preview first before the other three.
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Hull KR vs Catalans Dragons
A couple of weeks ago this looked like being an extremely significant match for both sides but a sustained run of form for Hull KR means they secured their Super League status for next season already. Catalans Dragons are yet to enjoy that luxury and have to win this match if they are to avoid the ignominy of the Million Pound Match.
After already securing their status for next season Hull KR coach Tim Sheens has decided to rest a number of star players and look to the future. That should give Steve McNamara and his men the platform to produce the goods in a match they really need to win. I would imagine they will be even more desperate to win and send Thomas Bosc off in style.
I wouldn’t be confident backing the Dragons to cover what is becoming an increasingly higher handicap but I am happy that they will win the match now. They should have enough control of it to lead at half time and see it through so the 9/10 on the Dragons to be ahead at half time and full time.
Leeds Rhinos vs Salford Red Devils
The first of the Super 8 clashes is one which has absolutely nothing on it as the Leeds Rhinos, who know they will end the campaign in second place, host a Salford Red Devils whose season is over from a competitive point of view.
I hate betting on these kind of events because you just don’t know who will have the motivation. We saw Salford finally get back to form last week with the pressure off so if they want to be dangerous they could be. I’m not one to guess though so I’ll sit this one.
Leigh Centurions vs Halifax
It is a big night for the Leigh Centurions too. As it stands they are looking like playing in the Million Pound Match but even that is not guaranteed. A win here would enhance their chances though and they look to have a penalty kick in that regard. Halifax have been out of their depth at this level.
That said, Leigh are being asked to cover a huge 22pt handicap which may look small come the end of the evening but when you factor in that it is all about winning rather than running the score up I don’t feel comfortable taking them to cover such a number. I’ll sit this one out too.
St Helens vs Huddersfield Giants
The second Super 8s match could not be bigger for the home side St Helens. They have to win to keep their season alive. Anything other than a win and we will be down to five in terms of sides who can still reach, and win, the Grand Final. Huddersfield Giants have known for a while their season is done.
We really saw that was the case last week when the Giants got battered by a Salford side who hadn’t won in weeks prior to that contest. We also saw last week that St Helens are not ready to chuck the towel in on the season just yet as they came from the clouds to beat Wakefield at the death.
St Helens don’t have to win this by plenty but they do have to win. If they have the match sewn up though I don’t think they will ease up as point difference could easily determine something significant. With that in mind I think they can cover a dozen here.
Tips
WON – Back Catalans Dragons HT/FT for a 4/10 stake at 1.90 with 888sport
Back them here:
WON – Back St Helens (-12) to beat Huddersfield Giants for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Bwin
Back them here:
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