Friday 17th March 8.00pm Headingley



The Rhinos are struggling in the front row after Jamie Peacock was pulled out of the squad with a knee injury.

That will be a big blow to us and my original prediction of a 14 point victory for the Rhinos has been re-considered.
Gareth Ellis is back in the starting 13 after missing the last few matches and I expect Chris Feather to directly replace Peacock as JJB has not made the 17 due to injury, the bench will consist entirely of forwards as coach Smith seeks to cover Peacock's work rate loss.


Salford have lost John Wilshere to a groin injury but other than that they will have the same team that hammered Wakey last week, we will have to pay particular attention to Dunneman, Robinson and Alker.




The bookies are giving Salford a 20 point start which I think is very generous and I will be surprised if we beat them by that many but I still take Leeds to win by 6-10 points.

If it is not already clearly marked in your diary make sure you highlight the 26th August now, that is the day the Rhinos win the first competitive final ever to be played at the new Wembley.



The draw has been reasonably kind to us: away at Leigh on the 2nd April and then only another 3 games and we are there, Hull or Bradford will soon be out of the way and so will Wigan if they do not get there act together sharp, the road is already clearing.


Before the Challenge Cup we have a couple of important SL games: starting with Salford this week. This is going to be tough but I still think Salford are punching slightly above their weight so I am going for a Rhinos victory by 14 points.


These are my predictions for this weekend:


Rhinos 34 v Reds 20

Saints 32 v Bulls 18
Wire 50 v Cats 20

Cas 20 v Wigan 30
Giants 16 v Quins 18

Wakey 20 v Hull 24


Come on Leeds!!!