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| TRY MACHINE: Leeds' Danny McGuire remains a great first scorer option |
Leeds v Warrington
I know, it has been away a while, but fear not, I've not been on the end of a Gareth Raynor right-hook, just a little snowed under at work.
This preview should hopefully herald a triumphant return and I'm backing a resurgent Leeds to beat Warrington – best priced at 9-5 with Stan James.
Six successive wins in all competitions has restored confidence among Rhinos fans after a shaky start, but they now sit just three points off Friday night's opponents and league leaders Warrington.
Wolves cruised to a 40-24 victory over Leeds in round four, but the Blue and Amber have steadily improved and are a much sterner test with England duo Jamie Peacock and Danny McGuire back in their ranks.
McGuire and full-back Brent Webb return from short injury stints on the sidelines to boost Leeds' support play artillery and you need look no further for a first try-scorer tip.
Winner: Leeds (9-5 STAN JAMES)
Score Tip: Leeds by 1-12 points (10-3 CORAL)
First Tryscorer: Danny McGuire (14-1 WILLIAM HILL)
I know, it has been away a while, but fear not, I've not been on the end of a Gareth Raynor right-hook, just a little snowed under at work.
This preview should hopefully herald a triumphant return and I'm backing a resurgent Leeds to beat Warrington – best priced at 9-5 with Stan James.
Six successive wins in all competitions has restored confidence among Rhinos fans after a shaky start, but they now sit just three points off Friday night's opponents and league leaders Warrington.
Wolves cruised to a 40-24 victory over Leeds in round four, but the Blue and Amber have steadily improved and are a much sterner test with England duo Jamie Peacock and Danny McGuire back in their ranks.
McGuire and full-back Brent Webb return from short injury stints on the sidelines to boost Leeds' support play artillery and you need look no further for a first try-scorer tip.
McGuire is always my first port of call in this market where Leeds are concerned and the 14-1 on offer from Hills should be gobbled up. His timing and anticipation, playing on the shoulder of his forwards remains of the highest order.
The loss of Keith Senior will be a blow to the Rhinos but, with Webb back at full-back, can Lee Smith return to form at centre?
The loss of Keith Senior will be a blow to the Rhinos but, with Webb back at full-back, can Lee Smith return to form at centre?
The former union convert was a stand-out performer before his brief flirtation with the other code, but has struggled to find his feet since...
Punters should take note that Wolves, despite their vast improvement under the guidance of Tony Smith, have failed to win at Headingley on their last four visits.
Leeds have been comprehensively beaten by Wolves, Huddersfield and St Helens so far this campaign, but now in better form, I rate Brian McDermott's team as a decent shout to get one over on his former Leeds mentor Smith.
The Rhinos, despite a few suggestions from the Sky Sports punditry team to the contrary, are far from a spent force, as shown in their 22-22 draw with champions Wigan.
Leeds should have ran out easy winners in that contest, but for some kamikaze defence, and now with Peacock and McGuire to lead the way, I think they'll find the inspiration needed to see off the Wire.
It will be a stern test of Leeds' credentials this season. Smith has Warrington running red-hot. Statistically, they have the top attack and defence in the league, scoring over 100 points more than their nearest rival, ironically Leeds.
Amazingly, Wolves have racked up 312 points and conceded only 14 in their last four games in all competitions. They are my tip to win the Grand Final, but they'll be a few defeats along the way. Leeds are due a result against one of the big guns.
That said, if Leeds offer up another lacklustre 80 minutes of defensive lapses, it would be no surprise to see Wolves run riot yet again.
Punters should take note that Wolves, despite their vast improvement under the guidance of Tony Smith, have failed to win at Headingley on their last four visits.
Leeds have been comprehensively beaten by Wolves, Huddersfield and St Helens so far this campaign, but now in better form, I rate Brian McDermott's team as a decent shout to get one over on his former Leeds mentor Smith.
The Rhinos, despite a few suggestions from the Sky Sports punditry team to the contrary, are far from a spent force, as shown in their 22-22 draw with champions Wigan.
Leeds should have ran out easy winners in that contest, but for some kamikaze defence, and now with Peacock and McGuire to lead the way, I think they'll find the inspiration needed to see off the Wire.
It will be a stern test of Leeds' credentials this season. Smith has Warrington running red-hot. Statistically, they have the top attack and defence in the league, scoring over 100 points more than their nearest rival, ironically Leeds.
Amazingly, Wolves have racked up 312 points and conceded only 14 in their last four games in all competitions. They are my tip to win the Grand Final, but they'll be a few defeats along the way. Leeds are due a result against one of the big guns.
That said, if Leeds offer up another lacklustre 80 minutes of defensive lapses, it would be no surprise to see Wolves run riot yet again.
But I think Leeds will be switched on for this one. They need to make a statement. They must prove to themselves that they can still beat the best.
Leeds' defensive efforts this term would suggest a home win would need to be a close run affair and a 1-12 points success catches the eye at 10-3 with Coral. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Kevin Sinfield put over a one-pointer and a drop goal is 9-2 with Betfred.
Leeds' defensive efforts this term would suggest a home win would need to be a close run affair and a 1-12 points success catches the eye at 10-3 with Coral. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Kevin Sinfield put over a one-pointer and a drop goal is 9-2 with Betfred.
Winner: Leeds (9-5 STAN JAMES)
Score Tip: Leeds by 1-12 points (10-3 CORAL)
First Tryscorer: Danny McGuire (14-1 WILLIAM HILL)
