We have to get back on track after the disappointment of Thursday but to do it we are going to have to be at our absolute best, this is a real intriguing contest and one that will be settled by the individual skills that we have a bit more of.

LEEDS RHINOS
Matt Diskin is back for us but I would continue with Millard and start Diskin on the bench. Mark O’Neill may also start but again I expect him to come on from the bench if he makes the 17 at all.

We are definitely without Chev Walker and Chris Feather, our most improved player this year. Nathan McAvoy is in the initial 20 but I cannot see him making the starting line up.
I expect Gareth Ellis to play at centre and Willie Poaching to play at loose forward; Ryan Bailey to start at 8 and JJB to come into the second row with Ali.

So from the initial 20, I expect to lose McAvoy, Ablett and Gibson.


SALFORD REDS
Salford look like they will be almost unchanged from the team that beat Warrington on Friday with just Andrew Brocklehurst missing out.


We have the injury problems but we have also had an extra day's rest and I think we have the men to break them down.


Therefore I predict: Salford 14 Rhinos 22


Come on Leeds!!!!!

This was always going to be a tough one, Salford look a good solid team this year and with Peacock missing the Rhinos were going to have to put extra effort in, that they did.


St Patrick’s day and the Reds who had half of Ireland in their squad were first to score after 20 minutes after we had managed to keep them out on several occasions prior to that, 0-4 Salford as the kick was missed.
The Rhinos fought back but it took until just before the break to score, Scott Donald going in for his 3rd try of the season following good work by McGuire, Sinfield converted.


HT 6-4


Salford came back at Leeds and scored the first points of the second half when Lengi went over in the corner, unconverted, 6-8 Salford after 50 minutes. The Rhinos hit back on 60 when Chev Walker went over, no conversion but we were back in front 10-8.

Eight minutes later Sinfield set up Danny McGuire to extend the lead but missed the kick so 14-8 but Salford were not done when Finnegan went over, Hodgson again missed the conversion so it was all on again at 14-12 Rhinos.
The game was finally put beyond doubt shortly before the end of the 80 when McGuire went in for his second try of the game, Kevin Sinfield converted to give us that 8 point cushion and moment later the game was over.


FT 20-12



After the Saints game this was definitely our toughest to date and I fancy Salford to make the top six this year if they keep their form for the remainder of the season.

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.