St Helens v Leeds Rhinos predictions and rugby league tips

Free rugby league tips, best bets and analysis for St Helens v Leeds Rhinos in the Betfred Super League on Friday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Mix, 7.45pm Friday

Best bet

St Helens -12
2pts 10-11 general

Sione Mata'utia first tryscorer
1pt 22-1 Betfair

Match preview

Top spot in the Betfred Super League is out of reach for St Helens but there will be no easing up from the champions with two rounds of the regular season remaining.

Saints still need to clinch second spot to book a home semi-final in the end-of-season deciders with Warrington looming large in third.

The Red Vee lost the chance to finish top following an astonishing implosion at the Magic Weekend last Saturday which saw them ship three tries in the final three minutes to title rivals Catalans Dragons, who won 31-30 courtesy of a drop goal in golden-point extra-time.

The game looked to be on the bag for Saints at 30-12 and they will be determined not to slip up against Leeds.

The Rhinos are also clinging on to playoff ambitions in fifth place following their own extra-time winner over Hull FC in Newcastle and could still nick fourth spot from Wigan Warriors.

Leeds need to win this fixture, though, and that looks unlikely when assessing the recent form.

St Helens have won their last seven meetings with the Rhinos, who have managed just 26 points in the last three meetings.

The home side look the bet to cover the 12-point handicap set by the layers and it may pay to have a small investment on Saints star Sione Mata'utia opening the scoring.

The bulldozing back-rower has bagged three tries in his last three games and looks a value wager at 22-1 to prolong his hot streak.

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