Betfred Super League Round 20 Preview
Leeds Rhinos vs Wigan Warriors, 8:00pm
Round 20 gets underway on Thursday as Matt Peet and his Wigan travel to Headingley to face a hurting Leeds side after falling short to Toulouse 20-6. Rohan Smith will want to get back his Rhinos back to winning ways.
Wigan will be confident as ever after demolishing Hull FC 60-0 with Bevan French scoring 7 tries, setting a new Super League record. Leeds on the other hand had some injury news this week. Rhinos fans found out that Hooker, Kruise Leeming could be out for the remainder of the season with a stress fracture in his foot. There will also be no Blake Austin and Aiden Sezer for Leeds with both missing out through injury. So Leeds will have to look elsewhere in the squad to fulfil them spots in the halves.
Will Leeds look to Jack Sinfield, son of Rhinos legend Kevin to fill one of those halfback spots? The chosen half will likely be partnered by the experienced Richie Myler, who's experience could be vital if Leeds were to win here.
For the Rhinos, I have gone with young centre, Harry Newman. Newman is back this week after serving a 3 match suspension which he picked up against St Helens, in which he scored a wonder try. For the Warriors, It's obvious. Bevan French gets my pick as he broke the record last time out for scoring the most tries in a single game (7). He is now Super Leagues top try scorer with 20 tries with Ken Sio behind him only on 19.
My prediction for this game is going to be in favour of Wigan, due to Leeds's injury crisis and the red hot form that the Warriors are in. So I am going to go, Leeds 12-38 Wigan.
Friday 22nd July
Hull FC vs Castleford Tigers, 8:00pm
It's Lee Radford's first time back at the MKM Stadium as Castleford coach and he will want to continue where he left off last time out where he defeated Warrington. For Brett Hodgsons men, it's picking up form as they have 1 win in the last 5 games.
Hull FC are at home where they have only lost there twice this season, but Castleford are in good form winning 4 of the last 5. Hull FC had some excellent news yesterday where they named Jake Connor in there 21 man squad for the first time in 6 weeks. Connor has 24 assists this season and 3 tries.
For Castleford, they could be welcoming back Gareth Obrien from injury to partner Danny Richardson in the halves, Cas have lost Hull bound Jake Trueman for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury, whilst Niall Evalds also won't feature.
For key man, I have picked out Hull's mercurial fullback, Jake Connor. 24 assists is something you can't ignore, an average of 1.05 a game. My Cas key man is Danny Richardson, who has impressed in recent weeks and has stepped up when Lee Radford has needed him the most.
I can see Castleford taking the 2 points this game in a very tight game which is all I can see. I am going to go, Hull 16-20 Castleford.
Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, 8:00pm
Danny McGuire's men travel cross country to Cheshire and take on Daryl Powell's Warrington. Contrasting last games for both teams as Wire came out short to Castleford and KR came out victorious against relegation threatened Wakefield.
This is a must win game for Wire if they want any chance of getting in the play-offs in Daryl Powell's first season as Head Coach. Meanwhile Rovers sit 2 points off the play offs. For both teams, play offs would be a great achievement after both teams' disappointing season.
For key-man, it's a tough one for Wire. I have gone with winger, Josh Thewlis. Thewlis has impressed this season breaking into the first team with his blistering pace and finishing ability. Rovers' key man could come in the shape of Mikey Lewis. Lewis is a real talent, showing his ability throughout last season and continuing it into this one. A few injuries have set him back but he has still shown his class when he has played.
This game depends on which team turns up. Wire have shown glimpses of quality against Catalan this year, but have been inconsistent, same with KR. I have gone with Wire taking the 2 points, winning 24-10.
Saturday 23rd July
Catalan Dragons vs Huddersfield Giants, 5:00 (UK)
Huddersfield travel to the south of France to the Stade Gilbert Brutus after a disappointing defeat to St Helens, despite having more men on the field for most of the game.
Catalan go into this game after back to back defeats to Warrington and Salford. This is another tough affair for both teams, with Catalan sat in 4th, and Huddersfield sat in 3rd. Both team will have there eyes set on the Grand Final, with the Dragons looking to beat what they achieved last year, which was runner-up to Saints.
The Giants are looking there first Grand Final after an extremely successful season under Ian Watson. They have already come runners up in the Challenge Cup this year after falling short to Wigan. They will be looking to go one better in the Grand Final.
The key men in this game could be the difference, for Huddersfield, I have chosen French international, Theo Fages. After an injury riddled season, Fages will want to impress back in his home country. Catalans key man comes in the shape of Sam Tomkins. He is looking to cement his place in Shaun Wanes England team for the upcoming World Cup. The ex-Wigan fullback is the current holder of the Steve Prescott Man of Steel and wants to lead the Dragons to Grand Final glory.
This game could go either way, but I am in favour of the Dragons. Home advantage is massive over there for them and I think they may go on to dominate the game. I have gone, Catalan 28-12 Huddersfield.
Toulouse Olympique vs Salford Red Devils, 7:00 (UK)
Can Toulouse make it 3 wins on the bounce in a bid to survive in the Super League? Or can Salford make it 4 wins from the last 5 in a bid to sneak into the play offs come end of year?
A boost for the Red Devils is Dan Sarginson is back in contention to start after a prolonged injury. He has replaced Sam Luckley who serves a 1 match ban. For Toulouse, It's building on there back to back victories as they hope to stay in the top flight.
Toulouse's key man for me is speedy fullback, Olly Ashall-Bott, who's speed can really trouble defenders when he breaks the line. The 24 year old joined Toulouse this year and has played 16 games scoring 5 tries.
My prediction for this game is going in the way of Toulouse, continuing there form from the last 2 games. Toulouse 24-16 Salford.
Sunday 24th July
Wakefield Trinity vs St Helens, 3:00
It's 12th vs 1st as round 20 comes to a close and Wakefield don't have it easy, hosting the Champions down at the Be-Well Support Stadium.
Wakefield have been in horrific form, losing the last 4. Saints on the other hand, as you'd expect, have won 4 out of the last 5 and look to push ever closer to the League Leaders Shield they are pursuing.
Wakefield have signed Challenge Cup winning fullback Jamie Shaul from Hull FC on loan for the rest of season after falling out of favour in the Hull FC side. He is in contention to start for Wakefield after Max Jowitt is spending some time on the side lines after picking up an injury.
The key man for Wakefield if they have any chance of winning this game is No. 7, Mason Lino. The Samoan born 7 is arguably Wakefield's best player. For Saints, there's a handful of names that can prove to be a difference but I have chosen Jonny Lomax, the hometown boy has been at Saints all his career and has made 252 appearances for the Merseyside Team.
My prediction for this game is nothing special, a Saints win, they are simply too good. Saints 46-6 Wakefield.
Who will continue their surge for the play offs? Will it be Salford? Can Hull FC bounce back after a few tough games? All to be found out in this round of fixtures.
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