Hull KR vs London Broncos Predictions: Big handicap offers chance for London value

Hull Kingston Rovers have the perfect opportunity to turn up the heat on the two teams above them in the Betfred Super League table as the Robins welcome lowly London Broncos on Friday night while Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves play each other in a top-of-the-table tie (kick-off 20:00 BST, Sky Sports Arena).

Rovers were too good for Leeds Rhinos last week at AMT Headingley and there will not be many who fancy a shock Broncos win at Craven Park to derail this strong Grand Final push. And neither do I, as you'll see from my Hull KR vs London Broncos predictions.

Hull KR vs London Broncos Odds

The bookies aren't going to just give you money, and as such Betfred have no price on Rovers to win so convinced is everyone of a home win at Sewell Group Craven Park. You can get London at 16/1 if you're brave enough, while a repeat dose of the draw in 80 minutes which was achieved by the Broncos in their recent trip to Leeds can be picked up at 28/1.

In the regular 2-way handicap, KR are 10/11 against a 36.5-point start for the visitors, with the Broncos 5/6 in that scenario.

Team News

Rovers half-back Tyrone May is out of this one on medical advice after feeling headaches following the win at Leeds last weekend. Boss Willie Peters will ask either Danny Richardson, Jez Litten or even Jack Broadbent to step into the halves in May’s absence.

Peters has doubts over a handful of other first-teamers too, with Niall Evalds making good progress and set for a potential return. James Batchelor and Elliot Minchella have both been named in the squad and will be assessed ahead of kick-off.

Rugby League Odds

London make just one change to their squad after last Friday’s 36-6 defeat at Leigh Leopards. Scrum-half James Meadows is out, meaning a place in the squad for Jensen Monk.

Handicap 3-way Alternative 1: London +32 @ 7/5

This will be a big home victory and that is reflected in the market, with Hull KR unbackable to win, and London 16/1 to do so.

As mentioned last week when London went to Leigh, the markets to look at in London games seem therefore to be either how close London can keep it, or margin-of-victory betting. We predicted Leigh to beat London by between 20-30 points but went for the handicap and a 24-point start for the Broncos. Our ball-park tip was spot on as Leigh won by 30, but we went too optimistic on the handicap and missed out.

So this week presents a similar dilemma, in a game I give the Broncos absolutely no chance of winning. I expect Rovers won’t rush back any of their injured trio unless they absolutely have to, and Richardson would be the wisest call to replace May.

I don’t see much disruption to the Hull KR upward momentum and I think the margin of victory will be bigger this week – upwards of 30. I’m going to adopt a similar approach to last week, however, and hope for a different outcome, backing London on the handicap with a 32-point start at 7/5, odds which imply a 41.7% probability.

Danny Richardson anytime Try Scorer @ 11/4

It’s take-your-pick time again from the Hull KR squad to run in a try against the leakiest defence in the Betfred Super League.

Provided that Richardson does come in for May, I’m going to back him to have the ball in his hands enough in the final third of the pitch to make something happen.

You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub.