Leeds Rhinos clash with Widnes Vikings at the Headingley Carnegie Stadium as part of the Easter Monday round of Super League. Both sides come into this tie in vastly different fortune – Leeds have won four out of their last five while Widnes have only won a single match this season.
Last Time Out
Leeds bounced back from their defeat at Warrington with a huge 52-24 victory over Hull FC on Good Friday. The Rhinos had seven different try-scorers including centre Joel Moon who claimed a brace and Brian McDermott’s men showed a ruthless streak in the first half as the side scored three tries in less than ten minutes – a sign of real progression from last season. Goal-kicking was also up to scratch as youngster Liam Sutcliffe slotted nine conversions while Rob Burrow claimed a tenth.
Widnes suffered a seventh loss of the season as they were defeated 19-10 by Warrington in the local derby last Thursday. Winger Stefan Marsh got the hosts off to the perfect start with a try inside two minutes, but were sloppy in both attack and defence thereafter as the Wolves dominated proceedings. The Vikings now prop up the table on three points, their draw with Catalan in Perpignan their only other point this campaign.
Key Battle
Leeds have not lost at the Headingley Carnegie Stadium this season and will be looking to continue their impressive home form against the league strugglers. Hooker Matt Parcell scored his fifth try in six games on Good Friday and could add more tries on Monday, while the Rhinos proved they have strength in depth as props Anthony Mullally and Mitch Garbutt both got on the scoresheet at the KCOM Stadium.
Widnes will be without forward Chris Houston who could face a 4 match ban after his altercation with referee Phil Bentham which was judged a Grade D offence, while captain and half-back Joe Mellor misses out.
Prediction
Leeds could be much too strong for Denis Betts’ men who look set to suffer another loss this season –ย Leeds by 30.
Squads
Leeds: Golding, Briscoe, Watkins, Moon, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Galloway, Parcell, Cuthbertson, Jones-Buchanan, Ward, Sutcliffe, Delaney, Garbutt, Mullally, Baldwinson, Lilley, Oledzki.
Widnes: Ah Van, Armstrong, Buchanan, Burke, Chapelhow, Craven, Dean, Dudson, Farnworth, Gilmore, Hanbury, Houston, Johnstone, Marsh, Olbison, Runciman, Thompson, Walsh, White.
