Castleford Tigers vs Leigh Leopards Predictions: Rallying Leopards to roll on

Betfred Super League's form side, the Leigh Leopards, take their play-off charge to Castleford Tigers' Mend-A-Hose Jungle on Friday targeting not only a place in the top six but potentially a top-four finish after a run of eight wins in their last nine matches (kick-off 20:00, live on Sky Sports+).

The Tigers were too good for Hull FC last week to end a run of five straight defeats but will need a big performance to halt the Leopards. The form will weigh heavily on my Castleford Tigers vs Leigh Leopards predictions.

Castleford Tigers vs Leigh Leopards Odds

No shocks here, but it is the rallying Leopards who are big favourites with the title sponsors. Leigh are 2/9 to win in West Yorkshire, with the Tigers 100/30 to upset the form book.

Interestingly, given these two sides played out a 28-28 draw after extra-time at the Leigh Sports Village back in May, the tie in 80 minutes is available at 22/1.

Team News

Castleford's final home game of the season sees Will Tate miss out on the squad. Tate picked up an injury in the defeat at Hull FC last week, and drops out along with Liam Horne and prop Sylvester Namo, who have both picked up suspensions.

Returning to the squad in their place are half-back Jacob Miller, Nixon Putt and Fletcher Rooney.

Rugby League Odds

Leigh are still without Ben McNamara but name another strong squad and could well pick an unchanged side from last week's impressive win over Warrington which left Wolves boss Sam Burgess so angry.

Matt Moylan played full-back last week, with Gareth O'Brien instead partnering Lachlan Lam in the halves and veteran Zak Hardaker used off the bench.

Handicap 3-way Alternative 1: Leigh Leopards -16 @ 6/4

These sides only met at the Jungle a month ago, with the Leopards coming out on top in that one by 20-10 thanks to two tries from Josh Charnley.

I expect a similar contest and outcome this time, and if anything I think Leigh can win by more given their continued improvement in the weeks since.

After such a slow start to the season Adrian Lam's men have really got up a head of steam and look like being the side nobody will want to play if they can now secure their place in the play-offs.

A win in this one is a must, and I don't see the Leopards slipping up now. With all their big guns back, fit and firing, Leigh can look ominous and I don't expect the Tigers will have enough to cover the handicap.

Umyla Hanley anytime tryscorer @ 1/1

We backed Hanley last week in the win over Warrington but he came up just short at 7/4 with a couple of near misses.

I'm going to stick with him again this week in what has been a breakthrough year. He's a real offensive weapon at centre or on the wing who will finish given half a chance.

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