Warrington Wolves vs Leeds Rhinos Predictions: Hot tip Tai to bring the Magic

Day one of Magic Weekend at Elland Road concludes with a cracker as Sam Burgess and his title-chasing Warrington Wolves lock horns with the team that beat them in the 2012 Grand Final, fallen giants Leeds Rhinos who are bidding to rescue their season (kick-off 19:30, Sky Sports Action).

The Rhinos enjoyed an unexpected 30-4 win over champions Wigan Warriors last week and will need another sizeable display against the high-flying Wolves to maintain their outside hopes of sneaking into the top six. My Warrington Wolves vs Leeds Rhinos won't include another shock win for the hometown side.

Warrington Wolves vs Leeds Rhinos Odds

As one of the big hopes to win the League Leaders' Shield, it's no shock to see Warrington being installed as heavy favourites at Elland Road. They are 4/11 to get the job done in 80 minutes, with Leeds priced at 21/10. You can get 20/1 on the draw in normal time, with golden-point extra-time and dramatic finishes being no stranger to the Magic Weekend concept.

Team News

The headline team news is the absence for Leeds of the former Man of Steel Brodie Croft, after the Australian half-back was given compassionate leave to travel home for the funeral of his grandfather.

Better news for Leeds is the potential return of star winger Ash Handley after a hand injury, and the availability of captain Cameron Smith following a one-match ban.

Winger David Fusitu'a returned last week after his latest injury and is set to keep his place, meaning Handley is likely to replace Alfie Edgell on the other wing.

The big decision is who will replace Croft alongside Matt Frawley in the halves. Leeds fans will hope Jack Sinfield is finally given his chance, but other options would be Smith at six or Corey Johnson.

Rugby League Odds

As for Warrington, Burgess welcomes Ben Currie, Luke Yates and Josh Thewlis back but is still without Lachlan Fitzgibbon.

Those are the three changes to the initial squad from last week’s win at London Broncos, but there are likely to be more changes than that, not least given England skipper George Williams was named in the squad and rested.

The trio of players dropping out of the squad are youngsters Zac Bardsley-Rowe, Tom Whitehead and Max Wood.

Handicap 3-way Alternative 2: Warrington Wolves -12 @ 13/8

Leeds are having such a strange season, looking like the worst team in the league one week and then beating the champions with ease the next.

They will not want to be the former in their home city this weekend, indeed the Rhinos pretty much always turn up at Elland Road.

But I don’t think they can win this game without Brodie Croft, who has been thriving under new boss Brad Arthur, scoring and creating some big tries for his team as they look to salvage their season with a playoff place.

Warrington have had a mini-wobble, with a wretched home defeat by high-flying Hull KR – in which they were outclassed in every department – followed up by a closer-than-expected win at bottom club London.

But this feels like a good occasion for Burgess and Warrington to show they are the real deal this season, and I think the Wolves will sparkle at Elland Road.

Looking at the handicap, I expect a Wire win by two to three scores at an implied probability of 38.1%.

Rodrick Tai anytime tryscorer @ 6/4

I really like Rodrick Tai since he has settled into this Warrington team and he looks a real danger at centre.

With tries in two of his side’s last three games, Tai represents the best value across the Wolves' potent three-quarter line.

You could even back him to score the game’s first try on Double Delight – and if he scores again then we will double your odds!

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