Magic Weekend is with us once more – get in!

I never expected Wigan to get thumped the way they did at Leeds on Saturday. 

It’s certainly opened things up at the top of the Betfred Super League, not to mention the odds on the outright winner with the title sponsors!

Rugby League Odds

Betfred still have Wigan 10/11 favourites to win the Grand Final with Saints and Wire both at 9/2 and new table toppers Hull KR at 5/1; followed by Catalans at 14/1, Rhinos are 33/1, and Salford out to 40s.

The Warriors, who like most clubs have had their injury problems, could put the loss partly down to fatigue following their mid-week defeat of Leigh Leopards on Tuesday. This catch-up fixture was due to the World Club Challenge early in the year.

However, with injuries it is all part and parcel of the game, and I’m sure it’s not an excuse Matty Peet will be using, especially as his team went down for the third time in five weeks.

While our neighbours have their own problems, the Saints took another step in the right direction with a gutsy win over a resilient Salford Red Devils.

It took a Moses Mbye golden point drop goal to claim the vital two points.

I was at the game and must say thoroughly enjoyed it. There’s absolutely no doubt there is still a lot of improvement to be had in the Saints performance, especially in regards to the quality in attack - and of course a few defensive errors that ultimately kept Salford in the game.

But, what I did see was a big shift in intensity, especially when the game got heated. The return of the big man, Alex Walmsley was a huge boost. I thought Al was outstanding in his first game in over four months, as was Matty Lees and Curtis Sironen.

Another player who is never shy in leading the way with his physicality and effort is Morgan Knowles.

Morgs was outstanding all game … up until 12 minutes from time when he came up with an unnecessary reckless shot on Salford’s Joe Mellor, receiving 10 minutes in the  bin. This has now been looked at by the match review panel and he received a two match suspension.

I always loved the physicality as a player, and I’m one of Morgan's biggest fans … but he’s got to realise the game has changed, and he needs to adapt with it, or spend many more weeks on the sidelines.

As well as the 17-16 win, there were so many positives to be taken from the game for Saints.

Young full-back Harry Robertson continues to enhance his reputation, coming up with some outstanding ball carries from back field. It was an excellent bit of elusiveness that put Saints on the front foot for the final set of the game. Add to that a big double carry from big Al, that put Saints in the perfect field position for Mbye to boot the winner.

Super-sub Jake Burns yet again proved why Wello has put so much faith in him. Some excellent service from dummy half, including smart awareness and soft hands at the line to put Joe Batchelor over the whitewash.

The players should gain a lot of confidence from the win, and take it to Magic Weekend where we face an out-of-sorts Wigan side.

The Warriors were dealt their own disciplinary blow ahead of Saturday's derby, after half-back Harry Smith was red carded for dropping an elbow on former Saints liability James Bentley.

Wigan, like Saints, will no doubt raise their game for the old enemy, but missing both starting halves, Smith and by far their best player Bevan French, I’m backing Saints to take the two points. I’ll go for a win by more than four points in one of the 3-way handicap alternatives.

Among the other Saturday fixtures at Elland Road, Hull FC take on the London Broncos in the opener. I’m going for a Broncos win!

An inconsistent Warrington face a Leeds side on a high after that demolition of the Warriors. However, I’m going for a Wire win. Sunday sees Salford up against the Leigh Leopards. I think this could go either way … but I’ll go for the Red Devils just to sneak it.

Surprise Betfred Super League leaders Hull KR face a very inconsistent Catalans. In current form I only see one winner here - the high flying Robins of East Hull.

Finally, bringing the weekend to a close is the Huddersfield Giants vs Castleford Tigers heat. The Giants have lost 7 of their last 8 fixtures, but still I see them having too much for Cas.

Let's hope the fans get behind this special RL weekend, which this year has been taken to Leeds United Football Club, due to the unavailability of its spiritual home, St James Park in Newcastle.

Six games, 12 sets of fans, over two days in one stadium really does show our great game at its best.

Rugby League Betting Tips from Betfred Insights.