Our columnist Ian Millward previews Good Friday's games in Super League and makes Leigh his best bet of the day.
Recommended bets:
Widnes (+12) v Warrington (Thursday, 2000BST)
This is an interesting game with both sides having won only one of their last five this season. Warrington have shown improved form though recently against some of the stronger teams in the division like St Helens and Leeds and have also won their last five against the Vikings. They seem to like the fast surface at Widnes too and can build a platform through forwards like Ashton Sims. They will be without the suspended Ben Westwood but have a stronger roster than the home side, who have been inconsistent and leaked points all year. This is a local derby and the form book can go out of the window but I like Warrington to win and cover the start.
Wigan v St Helens (+8) (Friday, 1215BST)
This will be the first game for St Helens since the departure of coach Keiron Cunningham and it is normal to expect a bit of a reaction. The players will be feeling a bit guilty about his exit and I think they will put their best foot forward in a local derby. Wigan will be boosted by the return of hooker Michael McIlorum following a long injury lay-off – he is as tough as nails and would not be playing in a game of this nature if he was not ready while Sean O’Loughlin is also back. It is always tough betting against the Warriors when O’Loughlin is in the side but I think the shackles will come off St Helens now as they loosen up and having won three of the last four against these rivals – I will take the Saints with a start.
Castleford v Wakefield (+22) (1430)
The Tigers have been in unbelievable form and the cohesion they have shown in attack has been really scary to be honest. They have won eight of the last 10 derbies against Wakefield so have the 'wood' on them at the moment too while the depth of the squad is so good currently they can cope with any injuries that crop up. Wakefield have been overachievers so far but the teams they have beaten don’t really compare to the hosts and Castleford will have too much speed and strength. Wakefield get a big start but I still take Cas to win and cover.
Salford v Leigh (+16) (1500)
Salford have been outstanding so far and will be expected to win here. Much of the good play has been down to halves Michael Dobson and Todd Carney but they could be vulnerable facing some bigger forwards and that could mean a little dip in their performance. I like Leigh to cause an upset with a big start on the handicap and make them my best bet of the day. They have lost their last three but a derby fixture can seem them bounce back and should make full use of a big start on the handicap.
Hull v Leeds (+2) (1500)
There are some really noticeable changes ahead of this game with key man Albert Kelly back for the hosts while Keith Galloway and Stevie Ward will return for the Rhinos - although Carl Ablett is ruled out. The latter gives them lots of energy as they try and improve on an unbelievable record against Hull which has seen them win all seven of the most recent encounters. The home side have suffered a bit of a blip lately but are more consistent overall and I fancy them to win and cover the start.
NRL
Cronulla won their Grand Final rematch last week against Melbourne but it was a very physical game and I like Penrith at home to get the better of them giving up a small start. They can bounce back from last week’s narrow defeat with captain Matt Moylan back in the team.
The Newcastle Knights have only won two games in the last 12 months and have suffered another couple of narrow losses recently so I think they will find the Sydney Roosters too strong despite the fact they have lost their last two as well.
Finally, Canberra are one of the biggest and most skilful teams around and should get the better of the New Zealand Warriors. The latter’s last two victories have been inspired by Kieran Foran but have come at home and the Raiders will give them more than a run for their money on the road.
Posted at 1340 BST on 13/04/17.
