Castleford Tigers vs Leeds Rhinos Prediction: Lisone to land 3/1 shot

Leeds Rhinos head to Castleford Tigers on Saturday afternoon looking to build on a brilliant win at Leigh Leopards that strengthened their hopes of a top-four finish (15:00 BST, Sky Sports+).

Castleford have nothing to play for, but the signs in defeat at Hull KR last week were that the Tigers will not be ending their season without a spirited fight. Below are my Castleford Tigers vs Leeds Rhinos predictions, supported by all the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Leeds can relax, safe in the knowledge that Brad Arthur is going nowhere, and the head coach makes two changes to his squad for the short trip to the Jungle.

The Rhinos have problems in the pack, where prop Cooper Jenkins is out with an ankle injury, and England front row Mikolaj Oledzki is still not ready to return. Also out are Adam Holroyd and young Tom Nicholson-Watton, while loose forward Cameron Smith is out with a back strain.

Still sidelined are long-term absentees Maiko Sivo and Ethan Clark-Wood, while Alfie Edgell has a foot injury and misses out.

So two academy starlets are given an opportunity this week, in Zak Lloyd and Jacob Stead.

Rugby League Odds

Leeds do at least have a full squad of 21, which is one more than the hosts have. Interim boss Chris Chester names 20 players, with suspension ruling out Jeremiah Simbiken after a high shot last week at Hull KR.

Josh Hodson is out, as is Fletcher Rooney, but Elliot Wallis is named and could be handed a debut. Another youngster, Alfie Lindsey, is also included and may make his debut.

Castleford Tigers vs Leeds Rhinos Odds

Castleford are 13/2, or a 13.3% chance, to win, Leeds are 1/10, and the draw is priced at 20/1.

Handicap 3-way Leeds Rhinos -18 @ 1/1

These derbies are often feisty, but I can't see any way that Leeds don't win.

I really fancied the Rhinos to produce an upset at high-flying Leigh last week, and my confidence was well-founded as both a Rhinos win by 1-12 points at 23/10 and an Umyla Hanley anytime try at 2/1 came in - so well done if you followed those tips.

We also grabbed a full house from Castleford's trip to Hull KR - taking the Tigers on the handicap at 20/21 and backing Rhyse Martin to cross for a try at 13/8.

So a perfect 4/4 for our Leeds and Cas tips last week. Can we keep that form going?

Unsurprisingly, I fancy Leeds again this week; the injuries in the forward pack are a concern, but I still have them to come through on the handicap.

This is the most well-drilled Rhinos team I have seen for years - probably since the legendary 2015 Grand Final-winning team - I discount the 2017 vintage because that was actually a pretty ordinary season rescued ultimately by the brilliance of Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow.

Now that the club has had an answer from Brad Arthur - and that he is staying on as head coach - I expect the team to go from strength to strength.

I like the addition of Chris Hankinson from Salford, I like the half-back pairing of Jake Connor and Brodie Croft, and I like the freedom with which dangerous full-back Lachie Miller has been allowed to play.

I haven't mentioned Castleford here as I don't really see where they can hurt Leeds, but I was impressed with the way Chester's men took the game to Hull KR last week, keeping the game tight until the second half.

If they play like that again, then it could be more interesting than I envisage, but I am still calling an away win regardless.

Sam Lisone anytime tryscorer @ 3/1

I'm having a bit of fun with this one, but it's not without its merits.

The most obvious tips here are one of my go-to selections in the Rhinos' livewire full-back Lachie Miller at 1/1 to cross anytime, and any of the Rhinos' three-quarter line.

But why aren't we tipping rampaging prop Sam Lisone? He's leaving Leeds at the end of the season and is already showing fans what they are going to be missing with some of his best form in the Leeds Shirt. Lisone tends to come off the bench but may find himself getting extended minutes this week, given Leeds' injuries in the front row.

The big man has scored two tries in his last two games and also scored away to Cas earlier this year.

Whether he starts or comes off the bench, the impact is always the same - huge.

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