St Helens v Salford betting preview, free tip & analysis

Free rugby league tips, best bets and analysis for St Helens v Salford in the Betfred Super League.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Arena, 7.45pm Friday

Best bet

St Helens -6.5 on first-half handicap
1pt 10-11 bet365
Click here to bet on this tip with bet365

Match preview

St Helens swept all before them in 2019 and their coronation as Betfred Super League kings was confirmed with a Grand Final success over Salford.

The Red Devils get an early chance for revenge as they open their campaign at to the home of the champions, but bookmakers expect a repeat of the Old Trafford result.

There have been no new signings on the pitch for Saints but coach Justin Holbrook has vacated the dugout for a job in the NRL with Kristian Woolf's name now above the coach's door at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

While he had never held a permanent head-coaching role at a club side before, Woolf has guided Tonga since 2014 and if the Mate Ma'a's performances are a clue as to how Saints will approach 2020, then they will continue to play an attacking brand of rugby.

Whereas Saints have put their faith in continuity, Salford have been forced to remodel their squad after surprisingly reaching a maiden Grand Final last term.

Man of Steel Jackson Hastings has departed and it will be interesting to see if veteran Kevin Brown can fill his shoes.

Saints should have too much class and while a match handicap of 16 points looks about right, the hosts will want to make a statement under their new coach and could beat the 6.5-point line set for the first half.

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport