Former Super League coach Ian Millward previews the latest round of matches, as well as this weekend's NRL action.
Recommended bets: Super League
Super League
Leeds v Huddersfield (+18) (Thursday, 2000 BST, Sky Sports 3)
The Giants have struggled all season and are showing little sign of improvement. They’ve lost eight in a row and are averaging 31 points against this year – so it’s clear where their problems lie.
They have some key men back – notably organiser Danny Brough. Jake Marmo comes in at full-back. He’s not a passer of the ball but is a very exciting attacking player who has the speed to cause problems.
However, I have to be with Leeds here. They have their confidence back and are scoring points again. They were able to rest some players in the Challenge Cup last week and should have far too much for their out-of-sorts visitors.
Hull v Warrington (+4) (Friday, 2000 BST, Sky Sports 3)
These two drew at Warrington earlier in the season and this will be tight again. Hull’s defence has improved in recent weeks but they are still missing Danny Houghton, who is their best defensive player.
Warrington look the bet to win a close encounter. They’ve won four in a row and have found a way of getting over the finishing line. They still play a lot of ad-lib football but have confidence back and are a dangerous side to face right now.
St Helens v Leigh (+14) (Friday, 2000 BST)
Leigh were playing really well when they beat Saints earlier in the season but have now lost eight on the bounce.
Both of these two are struggling to score points right now but it’s a real struggle for Leigh and Saints can win convincingly. On paper their forwards should dominate this one and set the platform - especially as the visitors will be vulnerable after a tiring set of fixtures.
Castleford v Wigan (+6) (Sunday, 1900 BST)
This will be a quality encounter with first playing third. Cas have already won at Wigan this season and currently have the best attack and defence in the league. They are genuine competition leaders.
They have lost their last two but there’s no crisis of confidence. They have a refreshed squad to go to war with and can win and cover here – especially as they score points for fun at home.
Salford v Widnes (+10) (Sunday, 1500 BST)
Salford have won their last five against Widnes and will stretch that to six here. They have way more skill in their ranks and their ability to score points will be too much for a struggling Vikings outfit.
Widnes did beat an average St Helens side recently but I like this Salford line-up. Just look at the ball players they have in Michael Dobson, Todd Carney, Robert Lui and Gareth O’Brien. They cause problems for everyone.
Wakefield v Catalans (+2) (Sunday, 1500 BST)
I think the Dragons are the bet of the round. Wakefield have lost three in a row – admittedly against very good teams in Castleford, Wigan and Warrington. However, they’ve picked up injuries along the way and that could be a massive factor here.
Catalan are starting to get on a roll and have found consistency after an early-season lull. They are very strong at half-back, where this game will be won and lost, and with a strong kicking game and game management can take the win.
NRL
Titans v Knights (+12) (Saturday, 0600 BST)
The Gold Coast will be on a high following last week’s away win against the Premiers. They can back up and post a big win over a Newcastle side who have won only twice in the last 13 months. With confidence up and Jarryd Hayne back in top form – this looks a big home win.
Tigers (+6) v Sharks (Saturday, 1030 BST)
Wests had a surprise win last week and Cronulla were shocked at home by Gold Coast. Consistency is always an issue for the Tigers though – they struggle to back-up week in week out and the wounded Sharks will respond to last week’s defeat by winning and covering.
Posted at 1210 BST on 27/04/17
