RUGBY LEAGUE fanatic Andrew Day (@AndyDay81) highlights the value for tonight's Challenge Cup clash.
Leeds Rhinos v Leigh Centurions | Friday 1st June 2018, 19.35
Championship side Leigh face last year's Super League Grand Final winners – and last year's Challenge Cup semi-finalists – the Leeds Rhinos on Friday evening. With nine wins in their last 10 games, the Centurions will be looking to take that positive form going forward and cause a major upset.
The Rhinos have won just one of their last four games, in their last-16 tie against Widnes Vikings, however will be buoyed by return of stand-off Joel Moon, hooker Matt Parcell, back-rower Carl Ablett and prop Anthony Mullally.
Despite their poor run of form, the Rhinos have victories over St Helens and Hull FC on their record this season and will fancy their chances against a team and tier below.
The Verdict
Despite having lost four of their last five games, Leeds still average a score of 18 points per-game and in their victories over St Helens and Hull FC this season – top quality opposition – they have scored 28 and 20 points respectively.
I cannot see anything but a Leeds win here and despite last season's encounters only being decided by an average of 5.5 points, the Rhinos have a great record in the Challenge Cup and an even better one against the Centurions – they have not lost to Leigh in the cup since their 1971 final defeat.
The fact this game is being played away from Leeds Headingley home will have no impact and the tightness of the pitch at the Featherstone ground may even be an advantage to the Rhinos.
188Bet's offer of Leeds to win with a -13.5 point handicap looks maximum betting material.
Best Bets
Leeds Rhinos v Leigh Centurions – Leeds -13.5 handicap (10/11 188BET)