Super League tips: St Helens vs Leeds Rhinos verdict, predicted score, key stats and suggested bets
- Seb Sternik
- 28 July 2023
Planet Sport looks ahead to a blockbuster Super League fixture as St Helens host Leeds Rhinos at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
St Helens have made a lot of headlines away from the pitch this week, question is can they deliver on it when they welcome Leeds Rhinos.
With the battle for play-off places intensifying, neither side can afford to drop points. Here, we take a closer look at this blockbuster Super League fixture.
Date, KO time and TV coverage
Super League, Friday 28 July, Kick-off 20.00, live on Sky Sports
Predicted score
St Helens 16-17 Leeds Rhinos
Suggested bets
Key stats
Leeds have won just one of their last 14 matches vs St Helens
Last two head-to-heads were won by a single point
St Helens have scored 12 or fewer points in three of their last five matches
St Helens have lost just two home Super League games this season
Verdict
St Helens suffered an injury nightmare in the Challenge Cup semi-final, losing four players in the defeat to the Leigh Leopards.
John Asiata was blamed for the injuries and questions over his tackling technique have dominated the rugby league news cycle.
Despite the controversy raging on, St Helens will need to shift their focus onto Super League matters.
Paul Wellens and his men face a huge game against Leeds Rhinos as they look to avoid a third straight defeat across all competitions.
The reigning world champions enter the fixture fourth in the standings, though their play-off position is precarious considering all that separates them from ninth-placed Hull FC is just four points.
Leeds will be looking to strike and improve their play-off bid as they eye their fourth Super League win in five games.
The Rhinos endured a dramatic golden point defeat at Headingley a fortnight ago as Hull KR edged the hosts 19-18.
That result ended a three-match winning run for Leeds which saw them knock off the likes of Huddersfield, Warrington and Salford.
Rohan Smith's men will certainly fancy their chances against a bruised St Helens outfit, though they'll have to overcome a rather poor head-to-head record.
Leeds have won just one of their last 14 matches against the Saints, including a dramatic 13-12 defeat in their most recent encounter last May.
That sole win for the Rhinos did come earlier this year as Blake Austin's drop goal secured a 25-24 win away at the Totally Wicked Stadium last March.
Considering the nature of this current Super League season, it's best to expect nothing and prepare for absolutely anything.
Nevertheless, we're backing Leeds to win by a margin of 1-12 points. The last two matches were determined by drop goals, and it wouldn't be a major surprise if fans are treated to another thriller.
