Huddersfield v Castleford predictions & rugby league tips: Giants to stand tall

Free rugby league tips, best bets and analysis for Huddersfield Giants v Castleford Tigers in the Betfred Super League on Thursday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Arena, 8pm Thursday

Best bet

Huddersfield to win by 1-12 points
1pt 21-10 Betfair

Match preview

A West Yorkshire derby kicks off Super League round 24 as Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers go head-to-head at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Both teams are on course to make the top six and reach the playoffs, with the Giants third and the Tigers sitting fifth.

Huddersfield suffered a heavy defeat at Salford last week but their home form suggests they are serious contenders this season.

Ian Watson’s side have scored four or more tries in their last three Super League fixtures at the John Smith's and second-row Chris McQueen has 14 to his name this term, including one in defeat at Salford.

The 35-year-old also crossed the whitewash the last time these sides met and could play a key role for the hosts on Thursday night.

Castleford make the short 27-mile journey following an impressive 18-8 win over playoff rivals Catalans in round 23.

Lee Radford’s men have won three of their last five games to get into the top-six shake up, but they have already lost at Huddersfield this season and are also without two key players.

The Tigers will be missing Suaia Matagi and Adam Milner for the next two matches, against Huddersfield and at Warrington, following incidents in last week’s game against the Dragons.

The hosts' players, meanwhile, will feel like they will need to step up their game following last week’s news that Canberra star Harry Rushton will be joining Huddersfield on a three-year deal.

Huddersfield have won their last six home matches, five of them by a margin of no more than 12 points - the other was by 14 - and another narrow victory looks the best bet.

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