Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC predictions and rugby league tips: Hosts to edge contest

Free rugby league tips, best bets and analysis for Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC in the Betfred Super League on Thursday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Arena, 8pm Thursday

Best bet

Leeds to win by one to 12 points
2pts 21-10 Betfair

Match preview

It's been a miserable start to the Betfred Super League season for Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC who are already playing catch-up to the leaders after four rounds.

The Rhinos splashed the cash in the off-season in a bid to become title challengers once more but their investment has so far failed to pay off as they have just one win from their opening four fixtures.

Injuries and suspensions have played their part, but they will fancy their chances of winning back-to-back games for the first time this season against a Hull side who have won two of their opening four.

However, those wins came against lesser-lights Wakefield and Salford and the Black & Whites were taken apart by previously winless Castleford Tigers last week.

The Rhinos are 3-10 favourites for victory but history suggest things may be a tad closer at Headingley.

Leeds won 25-24 the last time these two met with the last six matches featuring winning margins of one, ten, six, 18, 26 and two.

The Rhinos have missed a league high of 121 tackles so far this season so it is hard to be too bullish about their chances but Betfair's 21-10 abut the home side winning by no more than 12 points looks a decent bet.

FC have scored 18 tries in their opening four matches, six more than Leeds so this looks set to be a competitive contest with the hosts fancied to have the edge.

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