Castleford Tigers vs Leeds Rhinos Prediction: Back the visitors on the handicap

A West Yorkshire derby between two sides who earned valuable wins last week, as the Tigers recorded another win over Salford and Leeds struck late to win a thriller over Hull FC. (Kick-off 2:30pm)

Most would expect the Rhinos to back up with another victory here but can Cas find some form to produce an upset at the Jungle as head coach Danny McGuire faces his former club for the first time? George Riley provides his Castleford Tigers vs Leeds Rhinos predictions below.

Rugby League Odds

Team News

Castleford boss Danny McGuire makes one change to his squad from last week's win over the crisis-hit Red Devils, as Papua New Guinea international Judah Rimbu drops out having not featured last weekend.

He is replaced in the initial squad by reserve player Andy Djeukessi. Bizarrely Castleford recalled George Hill from his loan at Salford but have not even named him in the squad this week. Salford may feel a little perplexed.

As for Leeds, head coach Brad Arthur also makes just the one change from that stunning victory over Hull at AMT Headingley.

The change is unlikely to have much bearing on the matchday line-up, with youngster Alfie Edgell dropping out and Ethan Clark-Wood coming in.

Hooker Andy Ackers has stepped up his return from injury but is not quite ready for this weekend, while neither Brodie Croft or Cameron Smith reported any ill-effects from their returns last week - Croft started and Smith came off the bench.

Castleford Tigers vs Leeds Rhinos Odds

The hosts are 21/10, the draw is 18/1 and the away win can be backed at 2/5.

Handicap 3-way Alternative 1: Leeds Rhinos -12 @ 8/5

A third win of the season will do Castleford a lot of good but I can't see them beating Leeds this weekend.

The Rhinos showed real resilience to come from behind and pip Hull at the post in a cracker last Friday, and with a settled team I feel Leeds will be tough to beat at their near neighbours.

With Croft back in the halves alongside Jake Connor and Lachie Miller flourishing again at full-back after his lengthy injury layoff, I like the balance of this Leeds team. Speculation over the future of their head coach won't be welcome of course but I can see Leeds finding a bit of form now.

The last four meetings have all seen comfortable Leeds wins and I don't see any reason to think this will be much different. 

Ryan Hall anytime tryscorer  @ 10/11

Veteran Ryan Hall was the Leeds match-winner last Friday night in a win over Hull FC that saw both of our tips land for followers. I felt the Rhinos would be 1-12 points better than the Black and WHites and for large parts of the evening it looked as though my instincts were wrong until Hall's heroic late finish in the corner.

The former England winger continues to defy the ageing process and looks as big and strong as ever on the wing. Another try this week would actually see him move up a notch to 19th in the all-time British top try scorers list too.

I feel Hall will be a very decent shout to score again this week.

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