Engage Super League - weekend preview

The full engage Super League programme moves to Cardiff this weekend for the second Millennium Magic, featuring three games on each day over Saturday and Sunday.

The concept was a success last year - and brought about the biggest talking point of the season when Leeds pipped Bradford in the last minute following a controversial Jordan Tansey try.

Conditions will also be interesting over the weekend, with the Millennium Stadium roof closed - but this also causes a build-up of damp and dew on the playing surface, so expect some slippery footing, especially in the later games.

Saturday
Huddersfield v Warrington (3pm)

Warrington took a 30-14 win the last time these two sides met, but both are coming into the game with little form.

Warrington have lost their last four in Super League, while the Giants sit second bottom after three successive defeats.

The Wolves are without hooker Jon Clarke through suspension and much will depend on how the Giants handle the combination of Matt King and Kevin Penny on the left.

Expect plenty of points and Warrington to cover the handicap (-8 10-11 Skybet).

Castleford v Wakefield (5pm, live on Sky Sports 2)

These two sides never give an inch in a local derby, and the contest could spark the Tigers back into life.

They have struggled throughout the year, with their only two victories coming over Leeds and St Helens.

Expect a big game from former Tigers scrum-half Danny Brough - the Wildcats scrum half was Man of the Match when he steered Hull to the Challenge Cup in 2005 on his last appearance at the Millennium Stadium and is in superb form.

His quality, allied to the form of Jamie Rooney and power of Ryan Atkins out wide, should be enough to see Wakefield home (4-9 Party Bets/Boylesports).

Bradford v Leeds (7pm, live on Sky Sports 2)

Leeds continue to impress and are now comfortably clear at the top of the table after a tough win at Hull KR last week.

Bradford welcome back Tame Tupou as they look for a fifth win in six games, but are without half-back Ben Jeffries and were thumped the last time they faced Leeds.

It's hard to see them taking the points this time either, Leeds are simply too solid across the park and should clear the six-point handicap (evens Bet365).

Sunday

Catalans Dragons v Harlequins (2.30pm)

This could turn out to be the game of the weekend - Catalan flair facing the free-flowing rugby which the Quins have adopted this year.

The Dragons are now second and full value for that spot, and are playing some superb rugby.

But the Quins may just relish the wide open spaces of Cardiff and are in good form at present - they have scored over 30 points in two of their last four games but lost 24-20 to Wakefield last week.

They should, though stay within the handicap in this one , and could even take outright victory (+4 10-11 Skybet).

Hull v Hull KR (4.30pm, live on Sky Sports 3)

Hull offset the loss of Motu Tony with the return of Aussie winger Matt Sing as they seek to overturn their narrow Easter loss to the Robins.

The Robins have been pretty solid throughout this year and Paul Cooke loves nothing more than a game against his former club.

Watch for the stand-off to take control - first scoring play of a penalty is a handy bet when he is on the field, especially in a tight derby.

The last game was an 11-10 win for Rovers and they receive four points on the coupon this time - which should reward punters (10-11).

St Helens v Wigan (6.30pm, live on Sky Sports 3)

Saints took Good Friday glory in these side's last meeting and looked in fine fettle last week at Warrington.

They have now scored 58, 56 and 30 points in their last three games and should make it four in a row.

Wigan's hopes depend on the fitness of Trent Barrett, who eased into a comeback from his knee injury in the loss at Bradford last weekend.

Eight points on the coupon may give some reward, but outright victory is unlikely for Brian Noble's side.

Keep an eye on Ade Gardner to cross the whitewash - he's bagged five in his last three for Saints (first try 12-1, anytime 10-11 both Totesport).

Date Posted: 02/05/08