The second round of matches in the Super 8s begins on Thursday night with a Yorkshire derby between Wakefield Trinity and Leeds Rhinos. Trinity have begun to fall away from the top four after a really good season so they could really do with a win here but Leeds are unlikely to give anything away as they chase their own top four finish.
Wakefield Trinity
You would have to say there are reasons to be concerned about the Wakefield Trinity side heading into this match. Not only have they been walloped in their last two matches they are showing signs of fading just like they did last season so they really need to produce a good performance to convince everyone that they will not repeat last year.
They could probably look at injuries for a reason for their last two defeats and they could point to the three matches prior to that where they won two and lost narrowly to Castleford in the other one but they now have eight Super 8 defeats on the trot and that needs to end soon if they are to make it to the play-offs.
Leeds Rhinos
It has been a really good few weeks for the Leeds Rhinos. They have won their Challenge Cup semi-final to set up a clash at Wembley in a couple of weeks time and have won four of their last five in the Super League with the one they lost being one they sacked off prior to the semi-final because of injuries.
Unlike Wakefield there is an assurance about Leeds whenever they get to this stage of the season. They have a big match mentality through years of experience of being at the business end of proceedings and that confidence should stand in them in good stead not just here but over the next two months.
Team News
Wakefield have made changes after last week’s capitulation. Mason Caton-Brown has been left out of their squad for this one but importantly David Fifita is back. Max Jowitt and Jacob Miller return from lengthy injury spells.
Leeds will welcome Rob Burrow back from injury for this one and Mitch Garbutt is also in the squad too as they look to continue their good recent form. Brett Delaney replaces Brett Ferres.
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Betting
I think heading into this match the logical outcome is to predict a Leeds Rhinos win and I would be surprised if that is not the way the fixture plays out. Of more interest is the margin of the victory.
If the last few weeks are anything to go by then Leeds could win this big but everyone expected that to be the case when Castleford Tigers came to town and Wakefield Trinity raised their game and almost ended the leaders’ winning streak. This is a derby and I can see Trinity upping their game here. They have made changes to combat last week’s beating and while I think they will lose they can ride their 10pt start to the full time whistle.
Tips
WON – Back Wakefield Trinity (+10) to beat Leeds Rhinos for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with Betfred
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