Our expert columnist Ian Millward with his best bets for the Super Eights, Qualifiers and NRL this weekend.
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1pt win treble Hull (+6), Wigan (-10) & Catalans (+12) at 5.97/1
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The Qualifiers
Warrington v Catalans (+12) - Saturday, 1500 BST
Warrington have won their last four matches in a row and they are the best team in The Qualifiers.
I think we’ll see some more consistency from Warrington in the run-in as they start to relax. Catalans appear slow at the moment but I reckon they can put in a competitive showing.
The Dragons’ defence is improving under their new coach and they can make it close on their travels.
Leigh v Hull KR (+10) - Saturday, 1515 BST (Sky Sports Arena)
Leigh impressed last weekend as they eased to victory over Featherstone by simply being stronger and quicker than their opponents.
It was more of a struggle for Hull KR as they had to work hard for victory over Halifax and I reckon this encounter will prove very tricky.
Hull KR won the match between these two sides in the Challenge Cup earlier this season but Leigh are too strong at home so take them to win and cover.
Super Eights
Salford (+8) v Castleford - Friday, 2000 BST (Sky Sports Arena)
Salford have suffered five defeats in a row to drop off after overachieving to get so high in the table.
Castleford have been the number one team in attack and defence this season. They can bounce back from last week’s 26-12 defeat at home to St Helens, where they failed to take plenty of opportunities, by winning this game with ease.
St Helens v Hull FC (+6) - Friday, 2000 BST
This is a massive game.
A win allows Hull to make really certain of their place in the top-four and St Helens have to get the points to put the pressure on the sides above them.
I like Hull in this match. Lee Radford’s men have a fully-fit squad boosted by the return of Marc Sneyd and Josh Bowden, they can stop Saints claiming back-to-back wins after the surprise success against Castleford last week.
Hull are the best bet of this round of matches to grind out the win and prove their credentials as a top-four team.
Wigan v Huddersfield (+10) - Friday, 2000 BST
Wigan have to win to keep in the race for a top-four finish.
These two sides have drawn both of their games against each other so far this season but I’m keen on Wigan to get over the line for the win.
The Warriors are at full strength as Sam Powell returns and I like them to hit their straps and claim a big win to cover the handicap.
Wakefield (+10) v Leeds - Thursday, 2000 BST (Sky Sports Arena)
Leeds are in a good space after beating Wigan 32-16 last week. Their shape was very good in attack and I was really impressed with the way that Danny McGuire controlled the match.
Rob Burrow’s return after missing the last nine games is a big boost and he can help the Rhinos claim a third victory of the season over Wakefield, who have done fantastically to finish in the top eight but that’s as far as their ambitions can stretch.
Leeds to win and cover is the call.
Halifax (+12) v Widnes - Sunday, 1500 BST
Halifax impressed me last weekend as they fell to a narrow defeat against Hull KR.
Widnes have lost their last five matches and I wouldn’t touch them with a bargepole at the moment. Halifax can cover if they make a strong start.
London Broncos v Featherstone (+10) - Sunday, 1500 BST
London will win this match and cover.
The Broncos were unlucky not to win last week and they can take advantage of Featherstone lacking speed and consistency.
NRL
Parramatta Eels v Newcastle Knights (+16) - Friday, 0900 BST (Premier Sports)
Newcastle are on a little bit of a roll after claiming two wins in a row. Parramatta though have all the momentum as they’ve enjoyed six victories on the spin.
Parramatta are the stronger team in this one. Back them to win and cover.
Penrith Panthers v North Queensland Cowboys (+6) - Saturday, 1030 BST (Premier Sports)
Penrith have forced their way into the play-offs on a good run of form.
North Queensland are decimated with injuries and running on tired legs. Penrith are too quick and skilful, take them to win and cover.
Wests Tigers (+8) v Manly Sea Eagles - Sunday, 0700 BST (Premier Sports)
Manly are another side looking to consolidate a top-eight spot, while the Tigers are down just one place off the bottom of the table.
The Tigers have been better in the last month thanks to improved defensive showings against strong opposition. They can cover the handicap in this one.
Posted 1330 BST on 10/08/2017
