The final round of the regular Super League season continues on Friday night when two-thirds of the division conclude their opening set of fixtures ahead of the postseason, and the race for Old Trafford, getting underway next week.
Of the four matches that take place on Friday evening we have one live game on the TV and I’m sure the TV coverage will have full updates on the other three as they all kick off at the same time. There is also social media updates too.
Friday’s fixtures are as follows: (UK TV in brackets)
Leeds Rhinos vs Hull KR (Sky Sports Arena)
Salford Red Devils vs St Helens
Wakefield Trinity vs Hull FC
Wigan Warriors vs Catalans Dragons
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Preview
The televised match comes from Headingley where the Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR were meant to be playing knockout football but the defeat of the Castleford Tigers on Thursday evening means those two have already qualified for the play-offs and now battle for the right to avoid the Warrington Wolves, should that be an issue to either. The big match in terms of league positions is the one at the DW Stadium where the Wigan Warriors, who are guaranteed to finish in fourth regardless now, host the League Leaders’ Shield winners Catalans Dragons.
The other two matches, as the two already mentioned, are in effect dead rubbers but St Helens will want to go into their week off with another win under their belts. They head to the AJ Bell Stadium to face up to the Salford Red Devils while the other match sees two Yorkshire sides who have had disappointing campaigns meeting when Wakefield Trinity, who have finished the season with a flourish to be fair, host Hull FC for whom injuries have proven costly.
Betting
I’m not a huge fan of betting on dead rubbers which effectively is what we have an evening full of but there is one bet which jumps out at me given what is to come. That is for the Catalans Dragons to see off the Wigan Warriors at the DW Stadium. The Dragons know that whatever happens they have a week off next week and so they can go full tilt at this one and potentially lay a marker down in case it is the Warriors they face in the semi-final in two weeks. They have already demolished Wigan in France this season and I think they win again here.
Unlike their French opponents, Wigan are likely to keep something in reserve in this match. I don’t think that will be by resting personnel because injuries are still caning them pretty hard but the fact their elimination game is Thursday next week not Friday might mean subconsciously players don’t give everything to ensure there is something left for knockout football next week. Obviously any Wigan player who is carrying a knock won’t be risked here and if Catalans get in front early the Wigan resistance might not be as strong as it usually would be. Catalans are the team in the better form of the two anyway and with no game next week their intensity can get the job done here.
Tips
Back Catalans Dragons to beat Wigan Warriors for a 4/10 stake at 1.73 with Betfair
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