Super League Betting: Leeds to prevail in West Yorkshire derby against Castleford

Raj Bains
23 June 2017

Raj is backing Leeds Rhinos to triumph

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While the regular season might be drawing to a close, there's still plenty of business still to be settled before the league is split in two. Rugby League columnist Raj Bains takes us through Round 19 of Super League.

"Leeds are out for revenge, and they're not being quiet about it. Having been beaten by some distance at The Jungle, and copped a much tighter loss at the Magic Weekend in Newcastle, coach Brian McDermott hasn't been shy about putting the pressure on his players to perform, and close the gap between them and the Tigers at the top of the tree."

Leeds Rhinos to beat Castleford Tigers by 1-10pts @ 11/4

It's an interesting time for Super League, this. With so many teams clumped together at both ends of the competition, there's still an awful lot to play for. Clearly what this reformatting of the ladder was designed to achieve, it'll be interesting to see how teams respond to the added pressure of not knowing where they'll stand in a few games time.

There's still every chance Castleford could be caught towards the top of the tree, while big names such as Warrington, Wigan and Huddersfield are all flirting with the bottom four far more intimately than they'd ever really intended to. Throw the added pressure of cup semi-finals in to the mix and, rightly or wrongly, this season is heading for a grandstand finish.

Leeds Rhinos vs Castleford Tigers
Friday 23rd June, 20:00
Live on Sky Sports

Leeds are out for revenge, and they're not being quiet about it. Having been beaten by some distance at The Jungle, and copped a much tighter loss at the Magic Weekend in Newcastle, coach Brian McDermott hasn't been shy about putting the pressure on his players to perform, and close the gap between them and the Tigers at the top of the tree.

Castleford, meanwhile, will be motivated by how poorly they played in their last outing, crashing out of the cup away to Hull FC without ever getting their attack purring. Some have begun to question if they're running out of steam or if teams have found a way of playing against them to nullify their set plays, so it would be a big statement of intent to go to Headingley and win, to nip any doubt in the bud.

For what it's worth, the Rhinos have a more than capable enough squad to cause this Cas side issues, and if they beat them at their own game with fluid, fast attacking rugby and give the away side too much of a hill to climb, they might be able to get one back against their local rivals and make things even tighter at the top. Should the Tigers be allowed to play though, Leeds won't come out of this well - but expect the seven times Super League champions to use their experience and get over the line by hook or by crook.

Hull FC vs Wakefield Trinity
Friday 23rd June, 20:00

Last year, Hull started the season at a rate of knots, won the Challenge Cup and fell away, failing to make the Grandfinal at Old Trafford, surprising many that had been making them favourites for the championship. This year, however, they've learnt to pace themselves a little better, and are timing their run perfectly with a treble still on the cards.

Wakefield, meanwhile, will be pleased to appear safe of the bottom four for another season, but there season has hit a bit of a speedbump since injuries began to effect their squad. Having been an outside bet for the play-offs previously, losing key personnel might've tugged on their momentum a tad too much for them to recover from, which is a shame.

Both sides play an exciting, attacking brand of rugby, and that should lead to a fairly sizable scoreline. There's no doubt that Hull have the better players and form at present, however, so expect them to entertain their home following with yet another commanding performance.
Recommended Bet
Hull FC to beat Wakefield Trinity by 11-10pts @ 3/1

Huddersfield Giants vs Wigan Warriors
Friday 23rd June, 20:00

Just as Wigan have started getting players back, Huddersfield have lost one of their best, with full-back Jake Mamo halted in his tracks by a foot injury. Having had an incredible try scoring start to life in Super League, there's no doubt that he'll be a miss to the Giants attack, with the backline likely to undergo a reshuffle in his absence. Kruise Leeming though, their young hooker, should be fit enough to return.

Unless something remarkable happens, Wigan won't be troubling the top four this season, having had their campaign severely sidetracked by deep injuries and periods of extended poor form. Getting back towards being competitive again, they'll want to avoid finishing in the bottom four, and a win over Huddersfield would be a huge boost to their prospects, given how closely together the two are packed together.

Even though they've players back, the Giants appear to be happier in their own skin that Wigan at present, especially at home. With the Brough-Ridyard partnership in the halves ticking along and their attack finally finding some menace, they could catch Wigan cold if they start with the right intensity. Given their star names, Wigan are rightly favourites, but don't discount this Giants side - especially at such a big price.

Recommended Bet
Huddersfield Giants to beat Wigan Warriors @ 9/5