Rugby League
Super League Round 20 preview
Round 20 of the 2024 Super League season is upon us and it throws up some mouth-watering fixtures, with all still to play for in the race for the top six.
We are fast approaching the business end of the season, with the majority of teams having just eight games left.
This week provides us with what could be a decisive match in the battle for the League Leaders’ Shield, as well as an equally important clash as far as the top six is concerned.
We preview the two key fixtures from Round 20 below.
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Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, Friday 20:00
A few weeks ago, not many would have believed that this would be a top of the table clash, but a poor run from both Wigan and Saints has seen Warrington shoot to the top of the table.
They head into this game as 7/20 favourites with a streak of five consecutive wins behind them. The most impressive of those came in the last round where they dismantled Wigan 40-4 in merciless fashion.
Despite only trailing their opponents on points difference, Hull KR head into this clash as clear underdogs at 11/5. They come here off the back of a fairly run of the mill victory over London Broncos and will be raring to go for a bigger test on Friday evening.
Fullback Matt Dufty has been in flying form at the epicentre of the Wolves’ great run, scoring three tries and assisting two in their last three matches. His contributions have seen Wire win all of their last four games by 12 or more points, but that could be a tough task here.
Only Saints have put 20 points up against the Robins in the past four months and their resolute defence tends to step up a notch in big games. With this in mind, we’re expecting a close-fought contest, with Warrington just edging it to remain top of Super League.
Warrington Wolves to win by 6-10 points is 4/1.
Salford Red Devils vs Leeds Rhinos, Saturday 17:30
The second of Round 20’s marquee matchups concerns the race for the final top six spot, with both of these sides very much in the mix and hoping to set themselves in good stead to fight it out for a place at Old Trafford.
Salford currently sit fifth in the table, just four points ahead of the Rhinos who currently occupy seventh, with St Helens – who are currently in a state of freefall – sitting between them.
Given the mere four-point gap between the sides it is no surprise to see them inseparable in the market at 10/11 apiece for victory on Saturday evening. Home advantage lies with the Red Devils but that won’t faze Rohan Smith’s side as they put 28 points between themselves and Huddersfield on the road last week.
Salford have shared the tries around this season but providing them has been the job of maestro Marc Sneyd, with the Super League veteran leading the league in assists with 18 this season.
If he is at his best he can dismantle any side and could be the difference in what we’re expecting to be a narrow victory for the home side.
