Tigers to get back on track against Salford

Sky Sports Arena, 8pm

Castleford may already have one hand on the League Leaders Shield and with it pole position for the playoffs, but the Tigers are unlikely to want for motivation as they make the trip to Salford.

In February, the Red Devils were the first side to beat the league leaders and although Cas avenged that defeat by slamming Salford 38-14 at home last month, there’s little doubt they would like to right the wrongs from their earlier visit to the AJ Bell Stadium.

The weather was dreadful that afternoon but the forecast is much better for this evening with a few showers at worst.

The Tigers lost for the first time in 14 Betfred Super League matches a week ago when they went down to an impressive St Helens performance but the reaction from one or two pundits who branded Cas ‘chokers’ was bizarre.

Those remarks are unlikely to have gone unnoticed by Daryl Powell and his players who should get back on track with victory.

The visitors are asked to concede an eight-point handicap and that should be well within their compass against a Salford side who have lost seven of their last eight matches.

It may also be worth backing the Red Devils top try scorer Ben Murdoch-Masila to get on the scoresheet at 5-2.

BMM has scored 13 Super League tries this season, touching down in 11 of his 23 appearances which suggests he has been underrated by bookmakers.

The most important match of the night is at the Totally Wicked Stadium where fourth-placed St Helens take on a Hull side who are immediately above them.

Saints were superb at Cas last week but there’s no guarantee they’ll repeat that performance against the on-song Airlie Birds.

The visitors have scrum-half Marc Sneyd back from injury and are worth backing in receipt of a converted try.

Hull were totally out of sorts in a 19-12 defeat on their last trip to Saints a month ago and can improve on that result.

Underdogs Huddersfield also look good business with a
ten-point buffer at Wigan.

The Warriors’ hopes of retaining their title have all but gone and the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup final in two weeks is now their priority.

The Giants have lost just twice in their last nine outings.

Oddly, the two previous clashes this season have ended in draws – 16-16 at the DW Stadium in March and 19 apiece at the John Smith’s Stadium three months later.

Recommendations
Castleford -8
2pts 10-11 Coral, Ladbrokes
B Murdoch-Masila to score a try
1pt 5-2 Hills
Hull +6
2pts 10-11 Sky Bet
Huddersfield +10
3pts 10-11 general