Super League: Powell calm over Tigers showdown

bet365 News Team Published: 17 Feb 22 13:15

Warrington Wolves head coach Daryl Powell is adamant Thursday evening's Super League showdown with former club Castleford Tigers is "just another game".

Powell spent eight years with the West Yorkshire outfit before replacing Steve Price at Warrington for this season.

Having edged a 22-20 win over 12-man Leeds Rhinos in their opening game of their Super League campaign, te Wolves next welcome the Tigers to the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Wire boss happy to play down reunion

There has been plenty of hype regarding Powell facing his former club this week but the experienced coach is treating the encounter like any other game.

"I might get a bit of stick but it is what it is," Powell said. "For me it's just another game and it's about winning. I spent some fantastic years there, but you move on.

"I've got a lot of respect for everything that Castleford stands for as a club, but it's one game in a long season and I think they'd say exactly the same."

After a defeat to Salford Red Devils in their opening game of the season, Castleford are 12/5 to win on Thursday, with Warrington at 1/3 to make it back-to-back victories.

Old rivals set for acid test

Wigan Warriors versus Leeds Rhinos is one of the great rivalries in Super League and the two old foes prepare to meet once again at the DW Stadium on Friday evening.

Even at this very early stage of the season, Leeds are still waiting to learn where their new-look team stands as they played the majority for their game against Warrington with a man down.

James Bentley was sent off for a high tackle after just 16 minutes of the contest, yet the Rhinos almost edged out what would have been an unlikely win against Warrington.

As for Wigan, the Warriors got their campaign off to a positive start thanks to a 24-10 win on the road at Hull KR.

Liam Marshall and Jake Bibby both bagged braces against the Robins to get Matt Peet's rein as head coach off to a winning start.

Leeds are 15/8 to win at the DW Stadium, while Wigan are available at 4/9 to secure the victory and the bragging rights.

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Saints still the team to beat

Having secured three Super League titles on the spin, there is no doubting St Helens are the team to beat in the competition once again this year.

The Merseyside outfit beat Catalans Dragons in their opening game, in what was a repeat of last season's thrilling Grand Final at Old Trafford.

Saturday sees St Helens look to build on that 28-8 win over the Dragons when they travel to Hull FC.

The Airlie Birds managed to make their own winning start to the competition after a narrow 16-12 win at Wakefield Trinity.

With former Leeds playmaker Luke Gale pulling the strings in the half-backs, Hull are hoping they can be challenging in the play-offs this season. having finished down in eighth place last term.

Hull are 7/2 to win or 10/11 to win with a +12'5 handicap against the reigning champions.

Robins seeking a response

After defeat to Wigan, Hull KR boss Tony Smith will be seeking a response from his side when they travel to Huddersfield Giants on Saturday.

The Robins edged their way into the play-offs last season but gave a good account of themselves as they caused a shock to beat Warrington 19-0 in the eliminators at the Halliwell Jones.

In Smith, KR have one of the best coaches in the league and the former Warrington and Leeds boss will be determined to build on the progress of last term.

As for Huddersfield, with just nine wins in 24 games last season, head coach Ian Watson will be determined to see more from his side this year.

The Giants made a positive start with a comprehensive 42-14 win on the road at Super League newcomers Toulouse.

It looks set to be a much sterner test this weekend, but the Giants are still favourites at 8/15 to beat the 8/5 Robins in West Yorkshire.

Wakefield must be wary of Dragons backlash

In Saturday's final game, Wakefield Trinity could be set for a long evening as they make the trip to Perpignan to face Catalans Dragons.

The Dragons are a formidable force at the Stade Gilbert Brutus and their home form last season helped them win the League Leaders' Shield for the first time in their history.

Meanwhile, Wakefield are a team expected to be fighting in the bottom half of the Super League standings again this year.

Trinity are up at 8/1 to win across The Channel this weekend, while last season's Grand Final runners-up Catalans are 4/5 with -21.5 on the handicap.