Hull FC are the 1st visitors to the revamped Headingley as they look for a 1st win there since 2007.
Last seasons Grand Final winners take on the Cup winners on Thursday to kick off the Super League weekend.
Both sides have made inconsistent starts to the season, mind you both have been hampered by the early season trip down under.
Leeds had a much needed rest last week as their game against Catalans fell victim to the Beast from the East, whilst FC had a scrappy win over Warrington.
Given Hull’s awful record at Headingley it’s no wonder bookies make the Rhinos 4/9 favourites to win this one and given the Airlie Birds absentee list that seems fair enough. Whilst Leeds won’t be at full strength themselves Lee Radford will have to do without the likes of Kelly, Houghton, Paea and Watts and that will test the strength of their squad.
The Airlie Birds have only really impressed for 40 minutes against Huddersfield so far this year and may come up short against the Champions. Brian Mac’s side haven’t hit full tilt themselves yet but the week off will give them time to put the trip to Australia behind them.
There’s too many out for Hull to beat their Headingley hoodoo and I’d want more than the 2/1 for an away win.
Leeds have to concede a 6 point start on the handicap which I have to say is about right, and with Sneyds kicking game keeping it tight they may have enough to stay just inside that in a home win by around 1-5 points.
The 4/9 for a home win can be boosted to even money on the Half Time Full Time and and a home win by 1-12 points is around 15/8.
My 1st try pick would be Ryan Hall at 9/1 and the man of the match could be the very popular Jack Walker at 10/1. Hard to look any further than Sneyd at the same odds in black and white.
Friday’s live game sees Warrington trying to end St Helens 100% record.
Saints seem to be the team to beat this year and they are quoted 1/2 favourites to make it 5 from 5.
Wire have won 2 of their 1st 5 games as they look to avoid the middle 8’s this year but did beat Wigan last time out at home.
That win though was against a jet lagged Wigan and you get the feeling Saints are the team to beat this year and can win this by at least 2 scores.
Warrington having rarely impressed yet this year unlike the visitors who have Ben Barba cutting defences apart.
Saints concede 6 on the handicap and I think they can cover that. They look like they can score from anywhere and have one of the best packs in the competition with Walmsley showing the form that has alerted clubs in the NRL.
You can get even money on Saints on the Half Time Full Time and they are around 2/1 to win by 13 points or more.
Makinson got the ball rolling against Salford and he looks value to score the 1st try at 11/1.
The talented Barba would be my man of the match pick with Daryl Clark, who has just made the England performance squad, my pick in Primrose and Blue.
A couple of great games to watch, as always please gamble responsibly
