Rugby league free betting tips: Ian Millward's weekend Super League & NRL preview

23:06 · FRI September 01, 2017

Ian Millward believes Warrington Wolves will be too strong for the London Broncos when they clash on Saturday.

Recommended bets:

3pts Leeds (-8) to beat Hull at evens - looks a tough ask for the visitors after their Wembley win and hosts can put them to the sword

2pts West Tigers (-4) to beat NZ Warriors at 10/11 - have done well over the last month and home win on the cards against woeful Warriors

Super 8 Qualifiers

London Broncos v Warrington - Saturday, 2000BST, Sky Sports Arena

The Broncos played really well and ran the Catalans Dragons very close last time but the Wolves are by far the best squad in the qualifiers and look too big and strong here.

The question is whether they can cover the start. They could go into cruise mode and take their foot off the pedal but still look way to good in this one.

Featherstone v Hull KR - Sunday, 1500BST

Hull KR look very much on their way back to Super League and have already won twice and drawn one with Featherstone this season.

Their pack looks bigger and stronger and although the hosts are capable of a high-scoring performance, I will take the visitors to keep up a successful run and win and cover here.

Halifax v Catalans - Sunday, 1500 BST

The Dragons have looked old, lethargic and lack speed but I am going to take them to bounce back here.

They have been away on a camp to get some cohesion between the players and coach Steve McNamara so that could just do the trick.

Halifax have lost all three of their qualifiers so far and have still played well so I take them on the handicap but the away team to win.

Leigh v Widnes - Sunday, 1500BST

There is a lot of pressure here as the team which loses this one could go on and have to play in the £1million game.

Two encounters so far this season have been high scoring, the Vikings have won both and have a very good record historically at home against this rival.

The Leigh fans will be well up for this one and are probably a more hard-nosed team having been through the Super 8 qualifiers last year - they can win and cover.

Super League - Super 8s

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

The Tigers will be too quick and clinical and still have plenty of points in them after two victories against this rival already this season.

The Giants do not have much to play at the bottom of the top eight currently and if Cas go into this game with the right attitude, they can win well and cover the start.

Salford v Wakefield (scr) - Friday, 2000BST

Salford have lost their last seven in Super League but a week off due to the Challenge Cup final could do them the world of good.

They should have freshened up and got some players back and this looks a good opportunity as their attack can cause problems for Wakefield.

The latter are very consistent and have won a couple of shootouts against Salford already this season but I take the hosts to win and cover with more points on the agenda.

St Helens v Wigan (+4) - Friday, 2000BST, Sky Sports Arena

This is a massive game and if Wigan lose they could struggle to go on and make the top four in the standings.

It is possible for them to get over losing the Challenge Cup final and back up with a good performance as they have not been through the post-match celebrations but I was disappointed with the Warriors, who did not have much rhythm at Wembley.

The Saints have had two weeks to prepare for this game, Ben Barba will make his debut at full back and home advantage is huge - Saints to win and cover.

Leeds v Hull (+8) - Thursday, 2000BST, Sky Sports Main Event

The Rhinos look absolute specials to me this week and are my best bet of the round.

I have won a Challenge Cup so know what a team goes through with the jubilation and celebration afterwards.

Hull will be excited by this game and to get back to work after Wembley but I expect the hosts to give them the absolute runaround.

Hull should start well and compete but their legs will have gone by the second half while Leeds look back to near full strength and can just about wrap up second place with a victory.

They have won 10 out of 11 at Headingley against this opponent and their outside backs can cause havoc with their speed - Leeds are a great bet to win and cover the start.