It is going to be an emotional afternoon at AMT Headingley on Saturday (16:30, BBC Two) when Leeds Rhinos host Wakefield of their annual MND consciousness recreation to mark the upcoming first anniversary of the loss of life of membership legend Rob Burrow.
Leeds head into the sport in effective type, as do Trinity, who produced a 13-try demolition of Salford Purple Devils final weekend. Learn on for our rugby league guru George Riley’s Leeds Rhinos vs Wakefield Trinity predictions, full with the most recent match odds and important staff information.
Leeds Rhinos vs Wakefield Trinity Predictions
- Leeds Rhinos 1-12 factors @ 15/8
- James McDonnell anytime tryscorer @ 7/4
*odds right at time of publication
Staff Information
Leeds boss Brad Arthur makes only one change to the squad that comfortably beat Castleford final weekend, and it isn’t a change that’s prone to have an effect on the beginning 17.
Out of favour half-back Matt Frawley is ignored completely, along with his place within the squad going to younger unfastened ahead Presley Cassell.
Hooker Andy Ackers is again in coaching however nonetheless not able to return, whereas winger Maika Sivo is out for the season.
James Bentley ought to return this week, having been named within the 21 however not used at Castleford.
Rugby League Odds
There is only one change to the Wakefield squad too after their big win over Salford, with boss Daryl Powell in a position to choose hooker Thomas Doyle after harm instead of prop ahead Ellis Lingard who loved a two-try debut in that 72-10 Salford win.
Centre Oliver Pratt was rested final weekend – he was our anytime attempt scorer choice in opposition to Salford, with all different alternatives touchdown in a incredible week for followers of this column – so he ought to function at Headingley. Liam Hood and Josh Griffin might additionally return too having not been used in opposition to the Purple Devils.
Leeds Rhinos vs Wakefield Trinity Odds
Leeds Rhinos are 4/11, or a 73.3% probability, to assert victory on Saturday, with Wakefield Trinity obtainable at 23/10 and the draw at 18/1.
Leeds Rhinos 1-12 factors @ 15/8
This must be a extremely good recreation and one I anticipate to justify its inclusion on terrestrial TV this Saturday afternoon.
Wakefield have produced some incredible outcomes already on their return to the Betfred Tremendous League. The massive Salford win was eye-catching, however extra spectacular have been the wins over Warrington and Leeds on their go to to the Rhinos in spherical one in every of this 12 months’s competitors.
Trinity produced a shock 14-12 victory that day, and I anticipate this one to be fairly shut too, however I fancy the blue and amber to be on the successful facet this time.
There will likely be emotion contained in the stadium to lift consciousness for MND as we method the anniversary of the loss of life of one in every of Leeds’ favorite sons, Rob Burrow. And normally when there’s emotion, the Rhinos gamers feed off it and produce a giant efficiency.
There have been three wins apiece within the final six conferences between these two sides, however I really feel more and more assured on this Leeds staff since Arthur settled on the half-back pairing of Jake Connor and Brodie Croft alongside the return of livewire former 7s participant Lachie Miller at full-back.
I’ve Leeds to win this one, and have them to take action by between 1-12 factors.
James McDonnell anytime tryscorer @ 7/4
You will not go far improper by backing Leeds to attain via any of their exterior backs. Wingers Riley Lumb (4/6) and Ryan Corridor (4/5) rating as a rule, and centres Harry Newman (5/4) and Ash Handley (10/11) are a relentless hazard.
I’ve gone this week, although, for one of many Rhinos’ unsung heroes within the pack. James McDonnell appears to be like to have a giant future forward of him and has already proven he is aware of his method to the road.
McDonnell scored Leeds’ first attempt of their final house recreation – a win over Hull FC – and helped himself to an unbelievable 4 tries in a single recreation within the win at Salford final month.
At 7/4, I’m glad to take a punt on McDonnell, who ought to play large minutes, crossing the whitewash in opposition to Wakefield.