Leeds v Hull KR: Betfred Super League preview, tips & TV details

TV: Sky Sports Arena, 7.45pm Friday

Back-to-back wins over Catalans and Castleford have eased Leeds Rhinos' relegation worries and the eight-times Betfred Super League champions know another victory over Hull KR will give them some real breathing space at the foot of the table.

A mid-season plunge into the transfer market with the recruitment of Robert Lui, Rhyse Martin and Shaun Lunt has had the desired effect and the bookmakers rate Leeds 4-11 to continue their revival at Headingley.

While the Rhinos opted to change their playing personnel, opponents Hull KR changed their coach, replacing Tim Sheens with former Leeds boss Tony Smith.

Rovers have won twice in five matches under his stewardship with two of the three losses coming by two points or fewer. Last weekend’s 52-10 hiding at Wigan was disappointing but overall the Robins have been highly competitive since Smith’s arrival.

That makes the double-digit handicap afforded to the visitors look a reasonable proposition.

KR have received similar starts on their last two trips to Leeds. They rallied from a 22-0 half-time deficit to go down 28-24 in April and they won an amazing see-saw game 38-36 last September.

Danny McGuire will be one of six ex-Rhinos in the Rovers ranks. The Leeds legend, who retires at the end of the season, makes his farewell appearance at his old stomping ground and is 9-1 to be named man of the match and 4-1 to notch a try.

McGuire has scored only twice all year but one of those tries came against Leeds.

St Helens go in search of their third win of the season over rivals Wigan. The Warriors are on a five-game winning streak but the league table tells a revealing story.

Leaders Saints are an incredible 16 points clear of their fourth-placed neighbours who they have already defeated 22-12 and 36-12 this year.

When you consider that the table-toppers may have James Roby back after a four-game injury absence and that the visitors are still without key forwards Sean O’Loughlin and Joe Greenwood, the eight-point start given to Wigan doesn’t look enough.

Saints have won all 12 of their home games in 2019 and only two opponents have managed to keep the deficit in single figures.

St Helens’ nearest pursuers Warrington should avenge their Easter home defeat by Salford and that is reflected in quotes of 1-4 about the Wolves, who must overcome a handicap in the mid-teens.

The layers make Wakefield versus Castleford and Huddersfield against Catalans take-your-pick affairs and there may be some value in backing the Giants at home to the Dragons.

Simon Woolford’s side put in an improved effort in the win at Salford and the French outfit have a poor record when crossing the Channel.

Recommendations
Hull KR +10
2pts 10-11 Betfred
St Helens -8
5pts 5-6 bet365, Hills
Huddersfield
2pts 21-20 bet365, Betway, Hills

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport