The closing match on the opening day of the Super League XXIX Magic Weekend is one which has big implications for both of the sides involved as the Warrington Wolves take on the Leeds Rhinos at Elland Road.
Warrington are pushing for top spot in the standings this season and will need a win to maintain their interest in that but Leeds are suddenly chasing the top six with a bit more gusto and a win here would help that quest.
Where to watch
The match will be shown live and in full on the Sky Sports Action channel with the build-up to this third game beginning at 7pm ahead of the 7.30pm kick off.
Warrington Wolves
The Warrington Wolves have been much better this season and have already fought for one piece of silverware. They came up short in the Challenge Cup final but the fact that they played in big matches in that run should stand them in good stead both for this occasion and the remainder of the season. They will probably consider this season to be a success whatever happens from here but there might be a tinge of disappointment if they don’t have some silverware to show for their efforts.
Warrington head to Magic Weekend off the back of six wins in their last seven matches so they are in decent form but there does remain a feeling that they flatter to deceive in the big or high profile matches so they have the chance to put that to bed here. I still think the Warrington defence can be exposed out wide a little too easily but when they are on song their attack can be very dangerous so if they are on a good day here they will be tough to beat.
Leeds Rhinos
This has been another rollercoaster of a season for the Leeds Rhinos. You have to say they spent far too long flattering to deceive but having binned off Rohan Smith at long last they have won two of their last three matches, the latest of which came against Wigan Warriors, so they look like they are finally starting to get things right and moving in the right direction. A win on a stage such as this would be very welcome and while they aren’t quite at home technically here this is as good as they are going to get in terms of a home game away from Headingley.
You would have expected Leeds’ defence to have improved when they brought such an experienced interim coach into the building and that has certainly been the case in the last three matches and if they can defend well here they will give themselves every chance of coming out on top. I think it is fair to suggest that their attack is a work in progress but there is improvement in that department so Leeds certainly merit respect in this match.
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Team News
Warrington Wolves rested a heap of stars for the win over London Broncos but the likes of Ben Currie, Matty Nicholson, Josh Thewlis, Luke Yates and George Williams are all in line to return for this match.
Leeds Rhinos have reported mixed personnel updates for this one. They will be without Brodie Croft who is back in Australia for the funeral of his grandfather but Ash Handley returns from injury and Cameron Smith has served his suspension.
Betting
This looks like a really good way to close out what should be an excellent day of rugby league. Warrington Wolves are favourites for this match and the fact that they have beaten Leeds Rhinos twice this season would suggest they are worthy of that tag but they still don’t convince me on the biggest of stages and I can’t be backing them either at a short price or to cover an eight point handicap, particularly against a Leeds side who are effectively at home in this one.
I’m not sure I am yet in the position whereby I trust Leeds to win against an opposition like this but if they are going to make the playoffs and be competitive in them then this is the sort of match they should be able to keep within eight points of Warrington in. There is no hiding that the absence of Brodie Croft is key but if Leeds can turn this into an arm wrestle and stay in the fight for the majority of it then they should be more than capable of staying within eight here.
Tips
Back Leeds Rhinos (+8) to beat Warrington Wolves for a 3/10 stake at 1.91 with Coral
