Weakened Rhinos could fade after the interval at Wigan

Wigan v Leeds
Sky Main Event, 8pm Friday

On Tuesday morning, bookmakers made Wigan four-point favourites over Leeds for their clash at the DW Stadium. But when Rhinos boss Brian McDermott announced he was sending a squad shorn of 13 first-team regulars, it prompted a stampede of punters desperate to back the Warriors.

As the gamble continued, the layers hiked the handicap line into double figures, but even that failed to stem the tide and the visitors now receive a start of three converted tries.

That looks like a fair assessment given the quality of the Leeds absentees.

The list is headed by captain Danny McGuire and includes Rob Burrow, Ryan Hall, Stevie Ward, Keith Galloway and Adam Cuthbertson.

Cameron Smith and Mikolaj Oledski have been recalled from their loan spells at Bradford and there could be Super League debuts for teenagers Alex Sutcliffe, Harry Newman and Harvey Whiteley.

Like the Rhinos, the eighth-placed Warriors have a Ladbrokes Challenge Cup semi-final on the horizon next weekend but such is the champions' desperate need for league points that coach Shaun Wane will field his strongest side.

The Warriors are five points adrift of the playoff places and their attack has come in for plenty of flak this year.

It has certainly been far from free-flowing but Wigan are still adept at grinding down opponents so backing the hosts to cover an eight-point second-half handicap looks the way to go.

Wigan scored four tries in the final quarter at Catalans a fortnight ago and two in the last eight minutes at home to Widnes the week before.

It could also be worth backing George Williams to notch a try at 7-4.

The England stand-off bagged a brace against Leeds at Headingley in March and could make hay against this understrength opposition.

Elsewhere, Ladbrokes Challenge Cup semi-finalists Hull and Salford both go in search of form before next weekend's crucial games.

The Black & Whites, who have lost their last three games, are 2-5 to get back on track at home to Huddersfield. They have Gareth Ellis and Albert Kelly back on board after injury.

But the resurgent Giants have lost just one of their last seven games and can stay within the eight-point buffer.

Salford are 8-13 to pick up their first win in three attempts as they travel to rock-bottom Leigh.

The Red Devils' new signings Manu Vatuvei and Tyrone McCarthy won't play and it looks a match for punters to leave alone.

Recommendations
Wigan -8 on second-half handicap
2pts 4-5 Betfred
G Williams to score a try
2pts 7-4 Coral, Ladbrokes
Huddersfield +8
2pts 10-11 general