Jack Harbidge previews the Round Six clash between Leeds and Wakefield at Emerald Headingley Stadium….. This is what we have to look forward to.
Venue: Emerald Headingley
Kick-off: Friday 14th May (19:45 BST)
Last Five Meetings
27/03/2021 Wakefield 22 – 28 Leeds (Super League)
01/11/2020 Wakefield 18 – 20 Leeds (Super League)
29/10/2020 Leeds 6 – 30 Wakefield (Super League)
07/06/2019 Wakefield 0 – 10 Leeds (Super League)
22/04/2019 Wakefield 26 – 24 Leeds (Super League)
Team Lists
Match Preview
The out-of-form Leeds Rhinos host winless Wakefield in the opening fixture of Round Six this Friday as they look to get their season back on track with England international half-back Luke Gale returning from injury.
With only one win – on the opening day – so far this season, Leeds are staring down an appalling season that is becoming unsalvageable with every winless week that passes, while Wakefield would be rooted to the bottom of the table if it were not for Leigh’s abhorrent defence.
Taking on the second-worst performing team in the league offers welcome relief for Richard Agar’s men, who welcome back Luke Gale returning from a four week spell with a thumb injury. Unfortunately, however, Agar will be without Zane Tetevano and Richie Myler.
Chris Chester’s squad woe’s have been well documented with multiple key injuries marring the young 2021 season so far. This week he will be without Tom Johnstone who is still suffering from concussion issues that he will now see a specialist for as a result of their longevity. More positively, Chester is able to welcome back Matty Ashurst from the long Trinity injury list.
With both sides struggling for form from Round One of the season, things have looked on the up recently on both sides of the tape. Leeds come into this off the back of a one point last-minute loss to Huddersfield, having put on their best defensive display this season.
On the other hand, Wakefield come into the clash having put together their best attacking performance so far this season against Catalans, going toe to toe with the prolific French side for all of 75 minutes before conceding a barrage of late points.
The uptick in form sets up the fixture perfectly and should provide a good spectacle for punters on a Friday evening. Both sides will be throwing everything they have into this must win fixture, but Leeds’ inclusion of Luke Gale should be the telling factor in the end result; while he may be ring rusty after some time out, he should be able to give a seemingly rudderless Rhinos side the direction they need to get over the line.
Prediction
Leeds Rhinos by 8 points
