The Super League returns after the break for the Challenge Cup final on Thursday evening and it does so with the cup winners Hull FC in action. They make the short trip to Headingley to take on the Leeds Rhinos in a Yorkshire derby which will have implications on the play-off race.
These two go into the weekend in second and third in the current table respectively with the winners looking good for the postseason and the losers looking over their shoulders with a fight on their hands to make it into the play-offs.
Leeds Rhinos
It hasn’t been the most consistent season the Rhinos have ever put together but when they have needed to win they have generally done so and if they can find one more win here they will near enough book their spot in the semi-finals and will go a long way to securing home advantage in them as well.
One thing I have been impressed with has been Leeds’ attack. They haven’t always been able to keep their best attacking players on the park this season but that hasn’t detracted from their work and that is impressive. If they can begin to muscle up on defence then they could well end up reclaiming their title.
Hull FC
I guess we need to wait until the match begins to truly know what state of mind the Hull FC players are in. I don’t think anyone could blame them if they struggle in this match. They should have enjoyed the cup win. They don’t come along very often so I would imagine they would have celebrated hard.
Obviously the schedule has well truly gone against Hull FC in this match and that is something they will need to get their heads around. It is going to take an amazing physical effort to compete in this one just five days after playing on the big expansive Wembley pitch and it would be no surprise or shame if they don’t have it in them.
Team News
Leeds Rhinos are set to bring Ash Golding back into their side for this one after he missed the win over St Helens a couple of weeks ago. Jordan Lilley is the one to make way for him.
As you would expect Hull FC are making changes for this match. Liam Watts, Josh Griffin and Mark Minichello sit this one out. Jansin Turgut is among those coming into the squad.
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Betting
It is becoming a pretty regular thing for me after one side plays in the Challenge Cup and the other doesn’t but taking the fresher side on the second half handicap has served me well this season and I am happy to do it again.
Leeds Rhinos are covering four points in the second half of this one but after almost two weeks off they should be able to do the 80 minutes at full speed whereas it is only natural for Hull FC to struggle the longer the match goes on after such a physical and emotional day on Saturday. I expect Leeds to run away with this in the second half.
Tips
Back Leeds Rhinos (-4) to beat Hull FC – second half handicap for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with BetVictor
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