Ian Millward previews the weekend rugby league action

Recommended bets

1pt win treble Hull (-10), Catalans (-22) & Hull KR (-16) at 5.97/1

2pts win Penrith Panthers (-10) at evens

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The Qualifiers

Featherstone (+12) v Leigh - Saturday, 1515 BST

Leigh had a good recent record against Featherstone prior to their promotion to Super League and can continue that here. They won the last game of the regular season and have been building for this competition for some time.

Mentally and physically I think they will be too strong for Rovers for all it’s a difficult place to go. Leigh know how to get a result there.

Catalan v London (+22) - Saturday, 1715 BST

The Dragons lost their last three in Super League but should be dominant here. They have the ability to score points and that will hurt the visitors.

Catalan were the most penalised team in the competition prior to the split but with a big, dominant pack I don’t think it will be an issue here. They look set to be too big and too quick on a dry track and should win well.

Hull KR v Halifax (+16) - Sunday, 1500 BST

They played each other three times this season and Halifax won two of them. However, I’m expecting a big home win here.

Scott Murrell is the key for Halifax but I think Hull KR will have too much for them. Mose Masoe brings size and power over from St George Illawarra and he had a good partnership with Adam Quinlan at St Helens. They will be relishing playing together again.

I think off the back of their work Justin Carney is going to be a very powerful presence in these Qualifiers – he’s worth points to Hull KR. All in all I think they’ll win comfortably.

Widnes (+8) v Warrington - Friday, 2000 BST

Widnes lost eight of their last 10 in Super League and started to leak points. They have Rhys Hanbury back here which is a big boost and Joe Mellor is improving with each and every week.

However I have to be with the Wolves to win and cover – even in the absence of Ben Currie.

Super Eights

Huddersfield v Wakefield (+6) - Friday, 2000 BST

It’s one-one after the regular season clashes between these two and I’m with the home side to win and cover. They welcome back Jordan Turner which is good news as he provides them with extra attacking options.

Wakefield will miss Craig Huby and David Fifita and the Giants are playing with freedom and confidence right now. They look the way to go.

Hull v Salford (+10) - Friday, 2000 BST

Two sides who experienced contrasting fortunes in the Challenge Cup semi-finals last week. Hull go into this on a high having booked their Wembley spot while Salford will be flat after losing to Wigan.

In addition they had players carrying injuries into that game and picked more up. Hull are without Marc Sneyd, Mark Minichello and Josh Bowden but can call on strong replacements, especially Jordan Thompson.

Expect plenty of points – and expect a comfortable home win.

Leeds v Wigan - Friday, 2000 BST

A scratch handicap and a game Wigan can win. They have their spine back in being able to select first choice full-back, half backs and hooker. Throw in Sean O’Loughlin gaining match fitness at loose forward and it’s no surprise they have momentum back.

Leeds have lost their last three and are missing Rob Burrow’s menacing runs and experience around the ruck area. I’m with the Warriors.

Castleford v St Helens (+10) - Thursday, 2000 BST

Both teams come in here fresh after a week off. Prior to this campaign Saints had a good record here but the Tigers won both of the regular season games this time around.

This could be tight and I expect Castleford to win by between one and 12 points. They’ve won five in a row but face another in-form side here as St Helens are three from three.

They have a pack that can cause the Tigers problems but the difference between the two sides is Luke Gale. His direction and kicking game can be the decisive factor in a home win.

NRL

Sharks v Raiders (+6) - Saturday, 1030 BST

Canberra must win this to keep any genuine play-off hopes alive and welcome back two of their key men – Jordan Rapana and Josh Papalii from suspension.

Cronulla are in the top four and have been defending well all season but sometimes their attack has let them down. I think Canberra can go here and get a result – I like them with the start.

Penrith v Wests (+10) - Sunday, 0700 BST

The Panthers have won four in a row and Wests come in off the back of a good win last week. Penrith know they need to keep winning to stay in the hunt for the play-offs and I think they’ll do just that. They have some great attacking players at their disposal and I don’t think 10 points will be enough for the visitors.

Posted 1235 BST on 03/08/2017