The final match of the opening day of the Super League Magic Weekend is a repeat of last season’s Grand Final and a fairly important one too between two sides who can’t really afford to drop many more points. Castleford Tigers take on the Leeds Rhinos in what should be a tasty conclusion to the first day at St James’ Park.
The two sides head to Newcastle on the fringes of the top four but with the top three beginning to get away a win here will be imperative for both as they look to stay within touch of the playoff places heading into the second half of the campaign.
Castleford Tigers
It was always going to be difficult for the Castleford Tigers to replicate their amazing efforts of last season not least because of a couple of key personnel changes but to be fair they have done pretty well and if they can find a consistent burst then they shouldn’t be far away when the regular season draws to a close.
The Tigers have matches in hand going forward which could be significant to their hopes of making the top four but they have a lot of injuries mounting up and it remains to be seen how much of a battering their confidence took at the hands of the beating they were given by St Helens in the Challenge Cup last week.
Leeds Rhinos
It has been a scruffy start to the campaign for the Leeds Rhinos. I don’t think they’ve been helped by the renovations going on at Headingley which has taken away some of their home advantage but even so they will have wanted more for their efforts than what they have. They have lost a number of tight matches this season which will annoy them.
One positive for them though could be the fact that they got over the line in what became a tight match last week in the Challenge Cup. If they can start to win the tight matches, something they are famous for doing, then the confidence will return and they will find winning matches in all styles so much easier.
Team News
Castleford Tigers are going to be missing some big players here. Greg Eden, Luke Gale and Ben Roberts all miss out with injury while Gadwin Springer has been left out of the squad. Kieran Gill comes in for Springer.
Brett Delaney and Cameron Smith both missed the Challenge Cup tie last week but they have been recalled to the squad for this one. Ryan Hall was another who missed that game but he is in the squad. Anthony Mullally and Josh Walters are definitely out.
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Betting
You have to say injuries are really biting the Castleford Tigers hard and while this pitch is made for their expansive style of rugby missing the calibre of players that they are without is not going to make things easy for them and with that in mind I like the Leeds Rhinos.
Leeds should be under less pressure defensively than when the Tigers have opened them up in the past and having seen how easily St Helens broke down Castleford last week I’ve got to think the Rhinos will be able to use their nous and ability to get through too. I don’t see this being tight but if it is Leeds’ bench strength can get them over the line.
Tips
Back Leeds Rhinos (-2) to beat Castleford Tigers for a 5/10 stake at 1.91 with Betfair
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