Super League Betting: Three to back in Round Seven

Raj Bains
30 March 2017

Australian hooker Matt Parcell has been a revelation since joining Leeds from Manly this offseason

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With last night's battle between Salford and Saints setting the tone for the weekend, Round Seven of Super League has started off on the best possible foot. Rugby League columnist Raj Bains takes us through the rest of the of the action.

"The game of the weekend, this one will likely be a close run thing. Despite both sides missing key players, Leeds might have enough available to spring what would still be seen as a bit of a surprise."

Recommended Bet: Leeds Rhinos to beat Wigan Warriors by 1-12pts @ 21/10

With off-field business keeping the rugby league news cycle busy for the past week, Super League has come back just at the right time. There are discussions over the possibility of Wakefield selling their place in the league to another territory to ensure the financial future of the club, but such a drastic move towards an almost American franchise model could create a dangerous precedent. Internationally too, the subject was all change, with the announcement of a new World Cup 9s tournament unveiled, leading off from the success the NRL have had with their pre-season limited sides competition and the Union alternative with Sevens.

Super League clubs won't have spent too long thinking about all that though. With their bread and butter to devote their attention to, there's no easy weeks or off nights available since the format changed, especially with the fixture list as enticing as it is this week.

Leeds Rhinos vs Wigan Warriors
Friday 31st March, 20:00
Live on SkySports

Since being throughly embarrassed by Castleford away, the Rhinos have been three from three in the league, putting them right in contention at the top of the league. Having responded so positively from what was perhaps prematurely dubbed a 'crisis' at the club, most questions surrounding the future of coach Brian McDermott or quality of playing staff has disappeared back in to the shadows. By far their toughest challenge since that Cas game, beating Wigan at home would be the perfect way to top off a great month, with news recently emerging that Headingley has finally had the green light for redevelopment, which is something that been up in the air for quite some time.

Wigan, meanwhile, are still struggling to field their strongest side, and it cost them against Hull at home last time out. The loss handed the league leadership back to Castleford, and the Warriors will know that any further defeats will likely be punished by a Tigers side in unstoppable form. They've had a decent record against Leeds in the league in recent seasons, so despite losing to them in the 2015 Grandfinal, they'll know their way around the Rhinos, and how best to hurt them.

The game of the weekend, this one will likely be a close run thing. Despite both sides missing key players, Leeds might have enough available to spring what would still be seen as a bit of a surprise. They've been great these past few weeks, and if the likes of Matt Parcell, Adam Cuthbertson and Jimmy Keinhorst perform to the same level they have been doing, this should shade the way of the home side.

Castleford Tigers vs Huddersfield Giants
Friday 31st March, 20:00

Despite that one hiccup away at Salford, this Castleford side have looked unstoppable. Although tough to beat in defence, it's their attack that has been stealing all the headlines thanks to its explosiveness, often leaving teams helpless in the wake of its blistering speed, intricate set plays and and a sheer relentlessness. The combinations between the wing men, Luke Gale in the halves and Zak Hardaker supplying the late run from fullback has been devastating, and Daryl Powell deserves immense credit for not only having the coaching ability to mastermind this brand of rugby, but the foresight and patience to bring this squad together over time.

Unfortunately for Huddersfield, if the Tigers are a side hitting their peak at the end of a hard fought journey to the top, the Giants are slap bang in the middle of a transition. Danny Brough will be missing after being suspended for striking Carl Ablett in their home defeat against Leeds last time out, so they'll be without their main ball player and attacking coordinator. While the likes of Leroy Cudjoe and Jermaine McGillvary will always give sides something to think about, their squad is awfully thin is other key areas.

Rick Stone has constantly talked up the defensive work the Giants have been doing, and it's shown in patches. Away at The Jungle, however, it'll have to be at its very best if Huddersfield are to get anything, but they can take heart from their recent draw at Wigan away. That said, if Cas get off to fast start - which isn't out of the question - this could become a cricket score in the blink of an eye.

Warrington Wolves vs Hull FC
Saturday 1st April, 15:00

Two of the most entertaining sides to watch in Super League last season, Hull have overcome a slightly slow start to pick up where they left off from during their last campaign, while Warrington have still yet to post a single win in the league. Not even a question of injury or infrastructural damage, it's simply bad form and a complete loss of confidence that's done for Wire so far this year, with their defence far too easy to beat and their attack worryingly simple to keep out.

Hull, however, have bedded in their new halfback pairing of Marc Sneyd and Albert Kelly fairly quickly, and the former Hull Kingston Rovers number six has been winning over his new cross city fanbase over the past few weeks with a host of high scoring performances. They'll have an eye of retaining their Challenge Cup if possible, but this season is all about a return to the Grandfinal for the black and whites, and a shot at their first ever Super League title.

Inseparable both in the league and on the field last year, this season couldn't be any different. Hull are by far and away the form side, and after the way they lost the League Leader's Shield to Warrington in the Super8s last time out, it's not likely that they'll be in the mood for showing any mercy. Hull should win, and they should win big.