Leeds Rhinos v Hull KR: YEP jury predictions

ANDREW RICHARDSON

Just as losing becomes a habit, so does winning.

With six wins out of the last seven matches you would be forgiven if you watched Leeds and mistook them for a side challenging for trophies this year. In recent years Leeds have often come good at the right time, but this year they left it too late and are now in the battle against relegation.

Leeds kicked off their fight with a comprehensive win over Featherstone at the Big Fellas Stadium and although the Rovers performed admirably they were eventually outclassed by a stronger and fitter side.

That game and Hull KR’s thrashing of Batley poses the question of whether it is viable to have a Championship with mostly part-time teams who in reality have very little chance of competing with any full time Super League squad.

I think the gap between the Championship and Super League is much larger than most believe and a club’s best chance of promotion is to win the Million Pound Game by finishing fourth or fifth.

This week will see the first instance of the full-time Championship clubs playing Super League and it will be interesting to see how well they can compete compared to last year, although I’m not sure any club except Leigh have the experience and talent to beat any full-time Super League team.

This week Leeds face Hull KR at Headingley, a game they lost during the regular season. Hull KR are my pick to be in the Million Pound Game and they will be desperate to beat a Super League team to try avoid this. Unfortunately for them they are coming against a Leeds team who look set on winning every game in the Qualifiers and putting the fans’ fears to rest. Since the recruiting of James Segeyaro Leeds look like a whole different team; they have great line speed, hit hard in defence and always look to be on the front foot in attack.

The amount of titles Leeds have won without a recognised hooker is unbelievable and hopefully Segeyaro stays to fill the long-vacant role. The Rhinos will be seeking revenge this week and I can’t see past Leeds winning comfortably.

ANDREW SUTCLIFFE

It was the start of the Qualifiers most Leeds fans wanted and expected. A thoroughly professional performance for 80 minutes where the gulf in class, fitness and skill showed the longer the game went on.

Full credit to Featherstone, you couldn’t fault their effort and they definitely gave Leeds a workout, especially for a period in the first half.

The team picked shows how much we have been missing this season and on current form would be giving those in the top-four a run for their money.

The game on Saturday went as I expected with a close first half or so and Leeds pulling away as Featherstone tired.

Our forwards gave a strong platform to allow Segeyaro quick ball to free up our back line.

Giving Joel Moon and Kallum Watkins space and time with the ball would cause trouble to most defences and this showed during the game.

The only blot was the injury to Brett Delaney but hopefully this is not too serious.