Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors predictions and rugby league tips

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

Where to watch

Sky Sports Arena, 7.45pm Thursday

Best bets

Wigan -10
2pts 10-11 BoyleSports

Liam Farrell first tryscorer
1pt each-way 14-1 Betfair

Match preview

Round three of this year's Betfred Super League marks the return to traditional home-and-away fixtures after the top flight returned at neutral venues in 2020.

Headingley has been one of the favoured hubs during the pandemic meaning Leeds have played on their home ground more than most in the past eight months and it is the scene for a belting start to round three as the Rhinos welcome old rivals Wigan.

However, bookmakers aren't expecting home advantage to make much difference on Thursday night with the injury-hit Rhinos ten-point underdogs against last year's Grand Final runners-up.

Leeds have begun the season with an almost completely makeshift backline with winger Tom Briscoe the only first-choice back on show as a young Rhinos side emerged with great credit from what could have been a hiding to nothing against St Helens in the Betfred Challenge Cup on Saturday.

Such are the Rhinos' injury woes that second-rowers Rhys Martin and Cameron Smith were their starting halves against Saints and the energy-sapping performance against the Super League champions may count against them when they face Wigan.

Adrian Lam's men easily negotiated their cup trip to Championship side York on Friday and will be at near full-strength with fleet-footed back Bevan French named in their squad for the first time this season.

The Warriors look a good bet on the handicap against the wounded Rhinos and it may also be worth backing second-row Liam Farrell to cross the whitewash at Headingley.

Farrell, who has been playing in the centres due to injuries this season, has scored on three of the last four occasions he has come up against Leeds, so may be worthy of an each-way interest in the first tryscorer market at double-figure odds.

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