Super League play-off semi-final: Leeds welcome St Helens in crucial clash
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Leeds Rhinos are odds-on at 1/2 with Coral to beat St Helens in the second Super League semi-final and will be pleased to boast home advantage.
Having already won the Challenge Cup and the League Leaders Shield this season, the latter by the narrowest of margins, they will be keen to progress to the Grand Final where they will get the chance to make it the clean sweep.
However, Rhinos coach Brian McDermott, needs to ensure his players remain focus and understand the immediate task at hand; beating a tough St Helens side.
The most recent clash between the two sides was in the Super 8s as the Saints ran out 32-18 winners at Headingley, though the Rhinos take bragging rights, having secured two victories in the regular season.
Against the Giants, unsung hero Stevie Ward, Challenge Cup man-of-the-match Tom Briscoe and Ryan Hall all crossed, and while the former is unavailable, the latter duo are 9/1 and 7/1 respectively in the first scorer market.
Saints, meanwhile, have Tommy Makinson and Adam Swift both in fantastic form and the pair are both 9/1 to breach the in-goal area first.
Leeds legend Jamie Peacock will retire at the end of the season to take up a coaching role with Hull KR and the loyal servant admits that he could easily play on for another campaign.
“I could go round again, I don’t think there’s any question about that,” Peacock said. “I’m choosing to retire and I’m pleased about that but I know for sure that I could go round again. I know what works for me and I can’t see me being 38 being any different to me being 37.”
The 37-year-old, who is 7/1 to score anytime against the Lancashire outfit, was selected in the Super League team of the season for the third year running.
“It’s an honour to be in there again,’ Peacock added. “There’s some really strong candidates in my position this year.
“Certainly (Castleford props) Andy Lynch and Grant Millington and (Warrington’s) Chris Hill have been fantastic. I’ve tried to play consistently well this year. My aim was to play well in the games that matter, which are the knockout games and the Challenge Cup, and I think I’ve delivered on that.
“Also to play well against the best teams and I think my performances in those games have been as good as they ever have. I’ve enjoyed this year.”
Coral’s top tip: Briscoe first scorer @ 9/1 with Coral.
