Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves betting preview, prediction, free tip & TV

Free rugby league tips, best bets and analysis for Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves in the Betfred Super League.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Arena, 7.45pm Friday

Best bet

Leeds +8 (alternative handicap)
2pts 4-6 Hills

Match preview

Leeds have recovered from a chastening opening-round defeat at home to Hull with two wins in succession but the visit of Warrington will be a true barometer of any Rhinos' revival.

Richard Agar's men first walloped a struggling Hull KR side 52-10 and then recovered from a poor first-half showing at Salford to win 22-8 a week ago.

The Rhinos have recruited one-cap England international Joe Greenwood on a two-month loan from Wigan this week to beef up their pack and he will make his debut against the Wolves.

Warrington's form this season has been something of a conundrum. They performed admirably with 12-men in their narrow opening defeat at Wigan and followed that by keeping champions St Helens scoreless in a destructive display.

However, the last two rounds have yielded a sorry defeat at Wakefield and a nervy success at home to new boys Toronto.

In fact, inconsistency has been a feature of Warrington's play for some time now. Despite lifting the Challenge Cup last August, Wire have lost ten of their last 14 in Super League which includes a 26-4 reverse at Headingley in September.

Four games into the 2020 campaign, Warrington fans are already beginning to question the ability of head coach Steve Price to get the best out of what remains a highly talented squad.

But there are enough doubts about the Wolves at present to oppose them on the handicap at Headingley. England international Gareth Widdop is still developing his half-back partnership with Blake Austin while 18-year-old full-back Matty Ashton, who has looked a star in the making, is injured. Chris Hill's return from suspension is a positive, though.

A general four-point handicap has been set by the layers but Hills give Leeds an eight-point start on their alternative line and that looks a better approach.

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