Leigh Leopards vs St Helens Super League Round 26 Tips & Prediction
Leigh Leopards are backed to cover the -14.5 handicap at home against an injury-hit St Helens side.
Saints desperately need a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive, but they head to Leigh without several important forwards. Alex Walmsley is unavailable following delayed concussion symptoms, while Daniel Suluka-Fifita is suspended.
That looks particularly problematic against a powerful Leigh pack that should be capable of controlling field position and wearing Saints down as the game progresses.
Umyla Hanley is the tryscorer selection after crossing three times in his last three games.
Leigh Leopards vs St Helens Stats & Trends
- Leigh have won three of their last four home games.
- St Helens have lost four of their last six matches.
- Three of Saints' last four defeats have been by 14+ points.
- Saints conceded 34 points against Leeds last week.
- Leigh scored 62 points in their most recent home game.
- Umyla Hanley has scored three tries in his last three appearances.
Leigh Leopards Form Analysis
Leigh suffered a surprise 30-18 defeat at Huddersfield last week, but their home form gives more reason for confidence.
They have beaten Bradford 62-10, York 22-14 and Warrington 28-12 across their last four at home, with the only defeat coming against Wigan.
Their stronger forward rotation should also become increasingly important against a depleted Saints pack.
St Helens Form Analysis
Saints' two-game winning run ended emphatically with a 34-6 home defeat against Leeds last week.
They remain only two points outside the top six, making this a must-win contest, but their recent losses have tended to be decisive. Saints have lost by 28, 14, 22 and 16 points across their last four defeats.
Leigh Leopards vs St Helens Team News
St Helens have been forced into four changes. Alex Walmsley is stood down following delayed concussion symptoms, Nene Macdonald and Jake Davies are injured, while Daniel Suluka-Fifita is suspended.
Oscar Knox, Tyler McGann, Luca Walsh and Alfie Tate have been brought into the squad and could make their Super League debuts.
Leigh have some uncertainty around the availability of Umyla Hanley, David Armstrong and Josh Charnley, so the final team will be worth monitoring.