Super League Betting: Castleford to run riot against Widnes

Raj Bains
26 May 2017

England halfback Luke Gale has been central to Castleford's early season success

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A week on from Magic Weekend, normality resumes in Super League, with two full cards of action taking place over this Bank Holiday weekend. Rugby League columnist Raj Bains takes us through the best of Round 15...

"Widnes are the worst side in the league, and despite signing Rangi Chase from Cas, that won’t be enough in this encounter. As long as the Tigers score early, there’s no reason why they won’t go on to win by a cricket score."

Castleford Tigers to beat Widnes Vikings by +51pts @ 4/1

Given the sudden circus that Magic Weekend creates, it's always quite a strange adjustment the week after, when the league settles back down to normal. Out goes the Premier League football ground and special one-off kits, and back comes the usual grind.

As far as fixture lists go, however, there've been far worse than this. It'll be interesting, with an additional round crowbarred in on Monday, to see how coaches handle the double playing week. Rotation may take place today in preparation for the next game, or vice-versa, which adds an additional element to the fixtures that isn't usually there.

Salford Red Devils vs Catalan Dragons
Friday 26th May, 20:00

Rugby aside for a moment, Salford have been - rightly - universally praised for scrapping their entrance fee to tonights match, and instead asking anyone that attends to offer a donation of their choosing that will be given to the victims of the Manchester Arena atrocity. Their owner Marwan Koukash has come in for flack in the past for how he's handled business, but he deserves all the praise he's getting for making such an incredible gesture.

On the field, things will likely be quite straightforward. Salford are a good side playing smart attacking rugby in strong form, and Catalan are almost the exact opposite of that. Having parted ways with their coach this week, it's going to be a transitional period for the French club, and an away match at a motivated Salford side is likely the last thing that they needed.

Salford will win, and win handsomely - backing them to win big is the only way to go here.

Recommended Bet
Salford Red Devils to beat Catalan Dragons by +19pts @ 6/4

Castleford Tigers vs Widnes Vikings
Friday 26th May, 20:00

Usually, when you back a side to win by over 50 points, a part time club has drawn a Super League team in the Challenge Cup, or a poor side are away at a top team and they've got injuries - but that's not really the case here. Simply put, Castleford score for fun, and Widnes can't defend. It's essentially rugby league's answer to 2+2.

There's a freedom to the attacking rugby the Tigers are playing, and while some clubs might opt to coast against a side as weak as Widnes, they don't appear to have that in their DNA, which is hugely admirable. After coming through a big test against a much improved Leeds side at Magic, this is yet another chance for Cas to give their already impressive points difference a further jolt.

Widnes are the worst side in the league, and despite signing Rangi Chase from Cas, that won't be enough in this encounter. As long as the Tigers score early, there's no reason why they won't go on to win by a cricket score.

Recommended Bet
Castleford Tigers to beat Widnes Vikings by +51pts @ 4/1

Hull FC vs Leigh Centurions
Friday 26th May, 20:00

Hull are, by some distance, the strangest side in the competition. Unpredictable to the extreme, their mauling at the hands of an extremely young Saints side to nil at Magic came from nowhere. What's worse is, on their day Hull can be one of the most effective sides in the division. Effective in attack with Sneyd and Kelly running the show, resolute in defence with the likes of Ellis and Houghton putting reliable shifts in, their lack of consistency is incredibly frustrating to watch.

Leigh, meanwhile, are struggling. After showing some heart and surprising a few in their first few weeks back in the league, they've gone on an incredibly poor run of form since. Almost certain to be back in the Middle8s split that saw them promoted last time out, they'll be determined to avoid immediate relegation if at all possible.

As troublesome as Hull can be, they've no excuse for not winning this match at home at a canter. Should they fail to, serious questions might have to be asked.

Recommended Bet
Hull FC to beat Leigh Centurions by +19pts @ 10/11