Super League winner Ian Millward previews day two of Magic Weekend, with Castleford fancied to edge out Leeds.
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Recommended bets:
2pt double Widnes (+8) and Wigan (-2) at 3.3/1
2pts Manly (+4) to beat Gold Coast at evens
Catalans v Huddersfield (+4) - Sunday, 1300 BST, Sky Sports 1
Catalans have lost four in a row having been hit hard by injuries to several key players.
They have, however, won three in a row against the Giants, who are a poor side this year.
That being said, the signing of Martyn Ridyard at half back, and the return of both Lee Gaskell and Leroy Cudjoe, should be key in adding points to their game.
With that in mind, playing overs on the total points spread looks the best bet in a tough one to judge.
Huddersfield have strengthened at the right time and are also worth considering on the handicap, after Catalans received a real thumping last weekend.
Giants get the vote to win and cover.
Leigh (+8) v Salford - Sunday, 1515 BST, Sky Sports 1
Leigh have lost eight in a row but did have a week off last week - that could be key heading into this important game against an in-form Salford side who are bidding for five wins on the bounce.
When they met earlier in the year it was 12-6 to Salford, a tight and tough game, and I can see something similar here.
Leigh have produced some encouraging signs of late and I can see them getting closer to Salford than many expect.
Castleford v Leeds (+10) - Sunday, 1730 BST, Sky Sports 1
The first thing to say is I expect a high-scoring game - it's certainly worth taking overs in the total points market.
Castleford have scored the most tries in Super League and have in Luke Gale the best kicking game in the league; Leeds are second in total tries and bang in-form.
The Tigers have an incredible winning record against Leeds and their attack is just way too good for most teams in the division.
The Rhinos have won five in six recently but might not have enough about them to stick with Castleford right now.
Widnes (+8) v Wakefield - Saturday, 1430 BST, Sky Sports 1
The problem with Widnes is that they've made more tackles than any other team in Super League and it looks to be seriously reducing their energy for attacks.
There is hope for them - they've a good record against Wakefield - but that being said Trinity won their previous meeting convincingly.
Wakefield are also in form, but I just fancy that Widnes could step up with Rangi Chase adding zip to their attack.
It was a way better performance from Widnes in the Challenge Cup and a fast surface here will play into their hands - they're smaller and more nimble and that could be huge.
It won't be easy to end Wakefield's three-match winning run, but with the start Widnes are certainly worth a bet.
Hull v St Helens (+10) - Saturday, 1645 BST, Sky Sports 2
Hull are in good form - they've won five in a row and are just a single point off the top of the Super League table.
They've also really had the wood on St Helens, winning six out of the last seven, which is a seriously impressive return even if Saints have had their problems of late.
With all that's been going on off the pitch, it's no surprise St Helens have been struggling lately and they're lacking in leadership and confidence.
Justin Holbrook is due to take over after this game but whether he'll have a big enough impact watching on from the stands is hard to say, and the startling fact here is that Hull have scored 10 more tries than Saints this year.
With that in mind they should have too much in attack and can win and cover.
Wigan (-2) v Warrington - Saturday, 1900 BST, Sky Sports 1
Warrington have won five of the last six between these two and have full squad in place for the tightest game to call on Saturday.
They run more from dummy half than any team in Super League which makes for an interesting dynamic here, as Wigan's strength is in defence and breaking up such attacks.
The return of George Williams is massive news for Wigan fans and the fact that they beat Warrington earlier in the year with a weakened team will be a boost to their confidence.
With Williams returning and an altogether stronger squad this time, they rate a big fancy to win the game and are certainly worth backing.
NRL
Brisbane v Wests Tigers (+14) - Friday, 1050 BST, Premier Sports
West Tigers get around a 12-point start but they're missing some key players, and the return of the lightning-fast James Roberts for Brisbane spells danger.
Points should be on the agenda for the Broncos here and they can run riot, covering the handicap easily against a young side.
Gold Coast v Manly (+4) - Saturday, 0830 BST, Premier Sports
Manly have outstanding fullback Tom Trbojevic out injured but were outstanding against Brisbane last time.
They go into this as underdogs but with a start they can cover against a workmanlike side.
Gold Coast are solid but Manly are bet of the round to surprise them here with a generous four-point start.
South Sydney (+8) v Melbourne - Sunday, 0930 BST, Premier Sports
This being played over in Perth, WA, and there's a 60% chance of rain.
Given that 10 of the last 11 between these two have failed to reach 35 points, playing under 40 looks a great option in the conditions.
Both sides are good defensively, too, and this could be low-scoring and tight to the end.
Posted at 1240 BST on 18/05/17.
