Free betting tips: Ian Millward Super League & NRL preview

Wakefield (+6) v St Helens - Thursday, 2000 BST, live on Sky Sports

They’ve played each other twice this season and it’s one apiece – including a good win for St Helens in the closing round of the regular season. However last week’s defeat to Wigan was a huge loss for them – their third in a row – and they are really struggling to make the top four now.

It was always going to be hard for Ben Barba off the back of such a long lay-off and while he’s going to be a good signing for them, it might be next season before we see the best of him. I just wonder are Saints going to be in the right place for this mentally? They are not scoring the points they usually do this term and can’t afford to tense up.

Wakefield were really good at Salford last week – as they have been all year – and have a genuine chance of finishing in the top four. Tyler Randell has come in and made an immediate impact at hooker and they know what’s on the line here. I like Trinity with the start.

Castleford v Leeds (+10) - Friday, 2000 BST, live on Sky Sports

The Tigers have an outstanding record against Leeds – winning seven in a row – but I think that might come to an end here.

The Rhinos know victory would wrap up second spot in the league and they are starting to emerge as genuine contenders for Old Trafford.

There will be points in this but I think Leeds could even shock the league leaders so they have to be the call getting 12.

They're also worth a small bet at the price to win the game. It's definitely something they're capable of achieving.

Hull v Wigan (+2) - Friday, 2000 BST, live on Sky Sports

Hull have won all three against Wigan this year – including of course the Challenge Cup final – and can go four from four.

Gareth Ellis is out suspended which is a blow but the pressure is on Wigan – they need to win all their remaining games to claim a spot in the semi-finals.

Hull can get back into the swing of things the second week after Wembley, especially with Mark Minichiello back. He brings great energy to their ranks.

Salford (+4) v Huddersfield - Saturday, 1300 BST

Salford have lost nine in a row and were very poor against Wakefield last week. However this is their last chance to do something this season – and I think they’ll respond. The Giants were good against Castleford but their season over and I think Salford might have one performance left in them. They can win this.

Warrington v Leigh (+18) - Saturday, 1900 BST

This is going to be a really high scoring game for me. The Wolves are unbeaten in the Super Eight Qualifiers so far but they leaked some points late against London last week and almost paid the price. I think Leigh can cover with such a big start. They know they need to win games now to stay in the top flight and if Warrington are starting to switch off, the visitors can take advantage.

Hull KR v Widnes (+2) - Saturday, 1515 BST, live on Sky Sports

Rovers know victory here and they’d be really closing in on a spot back in Super League next season. They’ve won four in a row – Widnes three on the bounce. The visitors have improved thanks to the return to form of key players but I think Hull KR can win and cover here. They head into in real good shape and with a big, passionate crowd behind them.

Catalan v Featherstone (+30) - Saturday, 1715 BST, live on Sky Sports

I’m worried about Catalan despite last week’s win over Halifax. They just haven’t been anywhere near their previous levels this season and have looked off the pace in recent weeks. Scoring points used to be their strength but nt any more – but Featherstone might struggle to cover here. The Dragons can gain some confidence from the win over Halifax and are a tentative selection but Rovers will put up a good fight.

London v Halifax (+12) - Sunday, 1500 BST

Haifax haven’t won a game so far in the qualifers but are competing well. However they are averaging ten points per game – London are nearly 30. The Broncos have speed on the edges to take advantage of any breaks and will take great confidence from last week’s display against Warrington. I’d expect a big home win here.Salford +4 v Huddersfield

NRL

It’s play-off time in the NRL and Melbourne head into them as the best side in the competition on both attack and defence rankings. They are on a seven-game winning streak but face a very physical Parramatta side, who are capable of playing ad-lib football and causing anyone problems. Melbourne can win a low-scoring game but the Eels getting 12 is the bet.

Elsewhere, I like the Roosters at home to the Broncos. The visitors are without captain Darius Boyd and a couple of other forwards and for all the hosts stumbled into the post-season, they can take advantage of the absentees and cover a four-point handicap.

Cronulla and North Queensland meet in a sudden-death play-off. The visitors have been ravaged by injuries at the back-end of the campaign. The Premiers – the Sharks – have been off-colour too but Wade Graham is back in the second-row and they can come out on top in a low-scoring affair.

Recommended bets: Friday Super League

2pts Leeds (+10) to beat Castleford at evens - arrive having found form and can end Tigers' winning run

1pt Leeds to beat Castleford at 3/1 - see above

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Posted at 1150 BST on 07/09/16.