Huddersfield v Castleford tips, odds, betting preview and TV details

TV: Sky Sports Arena, 7.45pm Thursday

Huddersfield and Castleford were both involved in Betfred Super League thrillers last week and the odds suggest another close contest is on the cards when the teams clash at the John Smith’s Stadium.

The Tigers are 8-13 to follow up on their terrific second-half comeback against Wigan, while the Giants are 13-8 to bounce back from the disappointment of their single-point loss at Wakefield.

Simon Woolford’s side were eight minutes away from making it four wins in five games after losing their opening four fixtures but their recent run of results may not be quite as impressive as first appears.

All three of Huddersfield’s wins have come against sides currently alongside them in the bottom five. Their six other matches have all ended in defeat by a double-figure margin, the exception being last week's 17-16 loss at Wakey.

Castleford were staring at a fourth reverse in five outings when they trailed Wigan 24-4 just before half-time last Friday but staged an astonishing rally to win 38-28.

Coach Daryl Powell is still without the suspended Paul McShane but he is boosted by the return from injury of Junior Moors and Mike McMeeken, while new signing Daniel Smith may make his Tigers debut against his former club.

The prop will add more weight to an impressive Cas pack who showed its worth when bullying the Warriors into submission last time out.

Liam Watts has led the way magnificently and the Man of Steel contender is an interesting proposition to be named man of the match at 12-1.

Castleford's win over Wigan wasn’t the first time this season that the their pack has bossed the second half - they did so against Leeds the previous week to take the match into Golden Point extra-time and have outscored their opponents after the interval six times.

By contrast, Huddersfield’s second-half record is poor. They’ve managed to win the second half only twice.

Salford, St Helens and Hull have all coasted clear in the second 40 minutes at the John Smith’s Stadium and the Tigers are worth backing to do something similar.

The visitors are 8-11 to score more than the Giants after the break and there are some fancy prices available about Cas winning the second stanza in style.

Super League sides Hull KR and London begin their Coral Challenge Cup campaigns against Championship clubs Leigh and Halifax.

Rovers are asked to concede an 18-point handicap and the Broncos must give up 14.

Recommendations
Castleford to win the second half
4pts 8-11 Hills
Castleford to win the second half by 11-20 points
1pt 7-2 Sky Bet
Castleford to win the second half by 21-30 points
0.5pt 14-1 Sky Bet
L Watts man of the match
0.5pt 12-1 general

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