With only seven rounds left of the 2019 Super League season, the race for the playoffs and relegation is reaching its climax.
While St Helens are almost assured of finishing top of the pile, only six points separate third to seventh, and only four points separate eighth and 12th in the table.
With an excellent slate of fixtures this weekend, the picture could become clearer as to which teams are fighting for what.
Our rugby league expert guides you through the best bets of Round 23 of the Super League season.
Leeds v Hull FC
Leeds Rhinos have experienced another difficult Super League season, and sit just two points above the relegation zone, and are in real danger of dropping down to the championship.
This weekend’s hosts have won two of their last three, but a home loss to a resurgent Hull KR will have them very worried, especially after the way FC dismantled London in the last round, surging to a 31-0 half time lead before taking their foot off the gas.
Rhinos go into the game as slight underdogs at 10/11, whilst the Black and Whites are 8/11. Despite the close odds, I think FC have just got far too much firepower for this youthful Rhinos team, and that star-studded backline, spearheaded by Ratu Naulago, will have far too much for the home team. Back FC to win by 13 or more at 3/1.
Salford v Catalans
Salford and Catalans have both been incredibly indifferent in recent weeks, sometimes putting together complete performances, when both have put 44 points on a nosediving Wakefield in recent weeks, to hapless, when Catalans shipped 50 against Hull FC and Salford were dismantled by a poor Huddersfield side at home.
However, both are in the thick of the play-off hunt, and a win for the Red Devils will see them pull within two points of fifth-placed Catalans. Salford are comfortable favourites at 4/7, whilst the visiting Dragons are 13/10.
But I think the big bet here is try related. Both teams much prefer extravagant attacking play over steely-nosed defence, and as players tire, they should be big gaps for the likes of Sam Tomkins and Jackson Hastings to exploit. Have the second half as the highest scoring at 4/6.
Castleford v Warrington
After Pre-season both of these teams would have been expected to challenge St Helens at the top of the standings, and while Warrington have given it a good go, Castleford have been disappointing.
The Tigers sit sixth in the standings, and really need to gain some momentum quickly if they are to make a push towards the play-offs. The Tigers need to make the Jungle a fortress again, and a big win against the Wolves would be a real statement to the rest of the league.
Warrington have lost three of their last five, and look a bit vulnerable here. Back the underdogs Cas at 11/10 with Grosvenorsport.com.
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