Betfred Super League predictions and free rugby league tips: Rovers can compete

Free rugby league tips, best bets and analysis for round three of the Betfred Super League on Friday.

Where to watch

Hull KR v Huddersfield Giants
Sky Sports Arena, 7.45pm Friday

Best bets

Hull KR +8
3pts Evs general

Leigh +22
1pt Evs general

Preview

The Ian Watson revolution at Huddersfield has yet to begin in earnest and Hull KR could be dangerous opponents for the Giants at Craven Park in Friday's televised Betfred Super League clash.

New-look Huddersfield were touted as potential dark horses going into the new campaign but they have found themselves second-best in both of their league matches so far, losing 22-10 to Hull in round one and 20-10 to Catalans a week later.

The Giants secured their first win of 2021 against Leigh in the Betfred Challenge Cup last weekend but its debatable whether they should be 1-3 favourites to beat the Robins.

Rovers have been beaten in golden-point extra-time twice already this season - to Catalans in their league opener and in last week's cup tie with Castleford - showing they are on the upgrade after a couple of seasons battling relegation.

Their other outing was a 25-0 defeat at the hands of St Helens but they have shown enough in the early weeks of the season to suggest they will be competitive in most matches.

With that in mind, Rovers look a decent proposition with an eight-point start on the handicap.

Friday's 6pm kick-offs see champions St Helens take on Wakefield and Castleford entertain top-flight new boys Leigh.

Saints have bossed their recent meeting with Wakey, winning the pair's last seven meetings, but they would have covered the 24-point handicap set for their latest meetings in only two of those wins.

However, Trinity are likely to be without star winger Tom Johnstone among others which tempers enthusiasm about them as a handicap bet.

After a hugely creditable effort against Wigan in round one, Leigh have predictably found life tough and were firmly put in their place by Warrington in round two.

Another defeat to Huddersfield in the Challenge Cup followed last week and Castleford are long odds-on to inflict a fourth defeat on them.

The three-from-three Tigers have looked good in the opening weeks but have got the job done by nine, eight and one-point margins so it is worth chancing that the Centurions can keep them at arm's length with the help of a 22-point handicap start.

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