Saints set on securing Super League Leaders Shield

Following Wigan’s 24-20 win over Warrington, three more of the last remaining Super League matches take centre stage, with the play-off places already decided.

St Helens travel to Huddersfield knowing that a win will secure them a first place finish in Super League, and hand them the league leaders shield. The Giants are in fine form having not lost in five fixtures, and will be keen to snatch a fourth place finish from Warrington, which will give them a lifeline in the play-offs.

Saints are odds-on at 8/11 to win the match, while their hosts are short themselves at 11/10. Tommy Makinson is currently third in the try-scorer standings having crossed 24 times this season, while Warrington’s Joel Monaghan is out in front on 28. Makinson will be chasing the accolade, and is 7/1 to record the first four points.

Meanwhile, Hull FC can restore some pride to their season, as they host Leeds, in an attempt to finish above fierce cross-city rivals Hull KR. The Rhinos, however, can’t improve on their top six finish, regardless of the result, though their form going into the play-offs is historically very good.

The Humberside team are 2/1 to secure victory over their West Yorkshire counterparts, who themselves are odds-on at 2/5. Ryan Hall, who won the Challenge Cup almost single-handedly for Leeds, is 6/1 to score the first try, while Kirk Yeaman, after a progressive season for the Airlie Birds, is 11/8 in the anytime market.

Salford Will be disappointed with how their campaign has gone, after being one of the big spenders in the close season. They host Denis Betts’ Widnes side, who have done remarkably well to snare the last play-off spot.

Despite finishing lower, however, Salford are odds-on favourites at 4/11 for victory, while the Vikings are 11/5 themselves. Rhys Hanbury has been the stand-out player for Widnes this term, and is 10/1 to cross for the first try of the match.