Wakefield Trinity vs Leeds Rhinos Prediction: Miller to pounce for Rhinos

A crucial tussle in the fight for playoff spots takes place in West Yorkshire on Thursday night as seventh-placed Wakefield host a Leeds Rhinos side who could go third with a win (20:00 BST, Sky Sports+).

The Rhinos produced a strong second-half display last week to see off Salford, while Wakefield produced a thumping 46-10 win at Wakefield to strengthen their playoff push. Below are my Wakefield Trinity vs Leeds Rhinos predictions, supported by all the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Wakefield boss Daryl Powell makes three changes to his squad.

Isaiah Vagana is suspended, while injury rules out Tommy Doyle and Caleb Hamlin-Uele. Into the mix come Oliver Russell from a two-week loan at Salford, Oliver Pratt and youngster Noah High.

Still sidelined is England winger Tom Johnstone, but Jayden Myers has been impressing in his absence and bagged another two tries in last week's win over Huddersfield.

Rugby League Odds

Leeds have a concern over co-captain Cameron Smith, who is named in the squad but is struggling with a back injury.

There was an impressive debut from young prop Presley Cassell against the Red Devils last Friday, and he keeps his place in the squad. Another youngster, Ben Littlewood, is available after injury, and Jack Sinfield is also recalled to the squad.

Missing are prop Mikolaj Oledzki with a fractured cheekbone, Tom Holroyd (wrist), Morgan Gannon (ankle) and Tom Nicholson-Watton (foot).

Wakefield Trinity vs Leeds Rhinos Odds

Wakefield are 13/10, or a 43.5% chance, to win, while Leeds are 4/6, with the draw at 18/1.

Winning Margin: Leeds Rhinos 1-12 points @ 19/10

Leeds had a really sluggish start at home to crisis club Salford last week, but eventually turned on the style after the break to win with ease. Trinity, meanwhile, hit top gear in a huge win at Huddersfield that will give them real confidence of beating the Rhinos in this one.

You would say Wakefield and Hull FC have been the two surprise packages of the season in terms of an upturn in performance, and I think this could be a really tight contest to call.

This is already the third meeting between these two rivals in 2025, and both have been really close. Wakefield grabbed a stunning opening-round win at AMT Headingley in February by the narrowest of margins at 14-12, while Leeds gained some manner of revenge in May with another meeting at home, winning 22-18.

So this is going to be a narrow win for either side, and it could be the flip of a coin. Leeds have been more consistent this season and look far well-organised under head coach Brad Arthur. But they still have the ability to let themselves down, namely in games against St Helens, home and away, in which they failed to turn up for either.

Wakefield have been playing with real drive and intensity, and at home they have beaten both champions Wigan and Warrington. So, in front of a vocal home crowd, I think I give Powell's men the edge in this one. If they start fast and maintain that intensity, then Leeds could find it tough.

But regular followers of this column know that I often trust my gut over my logic, and that is telling me that Leeds will win this one.

Both of our Rhinos selections came up trumps last week, with forward James McDonnell scoring at 6/4 and Salford beating the handicap in our 7/5 selection.

So let's hope that good run of form continues with a narrow Leeds win here, by 1-12 points at 19/10.

Lachie Miller anytime tryscorer @ 5/4

In the tryscorer market this week, I like Wakefield's in-form winger Jayden Myers at 6/5 for an anytime try, but given I am backing the away win, it makes sense to look at Leeds, who won't be able to win without a try or two.

Youngsters Riley Lumb and Alfie Edgell are both proving their worth this season as fine finishers, but in a tight game, it could come down to a moment of magic. And for the Rhinos, lightning full-back Lachie Miller has come up trumps on several big occasions already this season.

Offers

Super League Double Delight - If your player scores the first try of the match, then goes on to score another, we'll DOUBLE your first Tryscorer scorer price!

Find more Rugby League Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights