Two-time Grand Final winner Ian Millward previews this weekend's Super League action with Halifax rating his best bet.
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Super League - Qualifiers
Warrington v Halifax (+40) – Saturday, 1515 BST, Sky Sports Arena & Main Event
Halifax have lost last their last two games against Hull KR and Widnes but have done a really good job in those matches.
They came into these ‘Middle 8s’ in good form and have been able to continue that against good opposition.
Warrington have won five in a row but still have key players out and I think this is a game where they may lose a bit of intensity.
Their recent performances have been their best of the year but they may well drop a little bit here.
Halifax to cover the big start looks one of the better bets of the week to me.
They can score one or two tries and if they do they will cover the handicap.
Catalans v Leigh (+10) - Saturday, 1715 BST, Sky Sports Arena
Catalans have only won one of their last six but have beaten Leigh twice in 2017 so far.
I think there will be a lot of points in this game – over backers in the total points market take note.
Catalans look slow and unfit and they have many players who aren’t producing. Leigh’s youth can capitalise and cover the start against a team which is getting more and more disappointing by the week.
Hull KR v London (+12) – Sunday, 1500 BST
London have caught the eye – they should have beaten Catalans and drew with Featherstone – but Hull KR have claimed two wins and look to have a genuine chance of getting into Super League.
They have more size in their forwards and that will have an impact in these tough games.
I think there will be plenty of points scored but more will come from the hosts – they have the better quality and I expect them to win and cover.
They had a tight game against Halifax but London have been knocked around over the last two weeks and they may not be able to find the intensity needed in this one.
Widnes v Featherstone (+30) – Sunday, 1500 BST
Widnes are starting to find some form. I’ve been very critical of them this year but Rhys Hanbury and Lloyd White are getting a combination going again and Joe Mellor also gets them moving well.
They are starting to get some more consistency and I think they can get a real confidence boost with another win here.
One the quick surface, I think London will struggle a bit and Widnes can win and cover.
Super League - Super 8s
Hull v Huddersfield (+10) – Friday, 2000 BST
These two have played twice this year and Hull have won both games.
There’s another big moment with Gareth Ellis playing his 450th game and the players will really want to acknowledge that.
Hull look a very professional team at the moment in the way they are going about their business.
With Huddersfield, you might now see a bit of a decline. They’ve made the top eight but are not going to make an impact on the top four to reach the semi-finals.
I expect Hull to continue in their vein of form. They will have players competing for a spot in next week’s Challenge Cup final – every day the coach and players will be thinking about that game, believe me - and they should win and cover.
Leeds v St Helens (+4) – Friday, 2000 BST, Sky Sports Arena
Leeds were very good against Wigan but very inconsistent against Wakefield. Saints’ form prior to last week’s game had been good but Hull have had the wood on them.
I’m going for Leeds in this one. Their outside-backs’ ability to create and finish chances is greater than Saints’. That Danny McGuire-Rob Burrow partnership is better than what St Helens have to offer in that department.
At home, the Rhinos can continue on their winning ways. Saints are very good defensively but Leeds will have too much in attack and can win and cover the start.
Wigan v Salford (+12) – Friday, 2000 BST
Seventh plays sixth here so it’s a big game for both but Salford have now lost seven in a row and confidence is down.
I believe Wigan will continue their winning run as they seek to push on towards the top four.
They have owned Salford in Super League and always win this game.
They are building momentum and have players fit and available – their key men are now playing.
They should have too much to offer, especially at home, so I take them to win and cover.
Castleford v Wakefield (+16) – Thursday, 2000 BST, Sky Sports Arena
This game is one of the biggest games in Castleford’s history because they are going to win the championship for the very first time.
There will be a massive crowd ready to see them presented with the League Leaders’ trophy and the place will be abuzz.
The Tigers have won eight in a row against Wakefield and have key players returning, such as Greg Eden.
Wakefield come in off a very good win against Leeds and Craig Huby, the ex-Cas player, also returns but I don’t see them being able to match the Tigers.
You need a challenge when you are a long way in front and the challenge this week is to get the trophy in front of their own fans.
I expect them to win and cover and I think the total points will be overs too.
NRL
Newcastle (+12) v Melbourne – Saturday, 0600 BST, Premier Sports
Newcastle are currently last in the competition and Melbourne first so everyone is assuming Melbourne will smash them because of the quality players they have.
But Newcastle have been in good form and have a tremendous record in day matches at home, which this one is.
As much as Melbourne have been the best team in the comp, they haven’t had big victories away from home.
I like the start Newcastle get here and believe they can cover.
North Queensland (+4) v Cronulla – Saturday, 1030 BST, Premier Sports
North Queensland are starting to fall away even though they are in the top six. They’ve had a lot of injuries.
Defending premiers Cronulla have been inconsistent at home this season but away they’ve been better and they’ll be a full strength here.
The Cowboys have been beaten up a bit in recent weeks and I think the premiers will rise here.
Cronulla with the start looks a good bet – they can win this one.
Canberra v Penrith (+4) – Sunday, 0500 BST, Premier Sports
If Canberra lose they will be out of the play-off race so the pressure is on.
Penrith are a young team and have won six in a row. They have the ability to score and are building momentum and confidence with their wins.
Canberra have won four in a row but have been inconsistent this year so I’m keen on the Panthers – they are my best bet in the NRL this week.
Posted at 1530 BST on 17/08/17.
