Hull to tame Rhinos on handicap

Hull can take advantage of a ten-point advantage on the handicap market — at 10-11 with Betfred — when they entertain Leeds Rhinos in engage Super League on Monday. The match, which will be shown live on Sky, is a 1pm kick-off.

At first glance, Hull’s task could hardly be tougher. Only Castleford have fewer points this term, and the Black And Whites come into the game on the back of a last-gasp 11-10 defeat by city rivals Hull KR on Good Friday.

On the other side of the equation, Leeds are powering ahead after piling up 92 points without conceding a try in their past two games.

However, Leeds have a habit of bringing out the best in Hull, who twice beat the Rhinos last term.  Add in the fact that Hull showed signs of improvement against Hull KR and have back-to-back home wins over Wakefield and Wigan this term, and matters may not be so clear cut.

Nor should it be forgotten that Hull were within seconds of snatching a famous victory over St Helens at Knowsley Road this month only to be beaten 30-29 by a last-minute penalty.

Although Peter Sharp, the Hull coach, must cope without winger Matt Sing, who has a broken hand, he will draw inspiration from Castleford’s 38-20 defeat of the Rhinos this month as proof that the Rhinos are not infallible.

Despite the difference in present form between the two sides, this is an intriguing match-up and Hull can profit from that ten-point start.