Previews

Rhinos start quest for title

Author: John Harris
Date: 29/01/2010
Rugby League betting

The engage Super League campaign kicks-off on Friday evening with the unrelenting Leeds facing Crusaders in the first game of the season as the Rhinos seek their fourth successive title.

The Crusaders face the daunting task of keeping the Rhinos at bay in the season opener at Wrexham FC's Racecourse Ground, having played in Bridgend last term.

Leeds start a week early due to their Gillette Fusion World Club Challenge clash against Melbourne Storm at Elland Road on Sunday February 28.

Once again, and rightly so, Leeds are the overwhelming sportsbook favourites to land the prize that is becoming second nature to the Headingley-based side.

With talent such as Keith Senior, Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock, Ryan Hall and Danny McGuire likely to be on show, the Welsh minnows should be put to the sword with some ease on Friday.

However, although Leeds are fancied by many pundits, St Helens could once again be their main threat and they are currently at odds of 3-1 to capture the prize.

Leeds have defeated the Knowsley Road club in the last three Super League Grand Finals with last season's showpiece being the closest as the Rhinos edged out their rivals 18-10.

Paul Wellens, Matt Gidley, Kyle Eastmond and Francis Meli will be hell-bent on turning the Merseyside outfit's fortunes around in 2010 after their near misses in recent times, although they will be without stalwart Sean Long who has agreed a two-year contract with Hull FC.

Ironically, they open up their campaign against Hull FC on February 6.

Will Leeds Rhinos win a fourth successive Super League title in 2010? - Latest Rugby League Betting

Harlequins welcome Wakefield Wildcats to the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday before the remaining Super League teams begin their season next weekend.

On Friday February 5, Wigan Warriors face Crusaders at the DW Stadium and Huddersfield Giants start with a fierce Yorkshire derby against Bradford Bulls.

Leeds go head-to-head in another all-Yorkshire contest with Castleford Tigers making the short trip to Headingley.

On Saturday, Mick Potters' St Helens lock horns with Hull FC and they will be looking for a solid start to their season while Sunday's fixtures see Hull KR take on Salford City Reds at Craven Park.

Catalans Dragons face the long trip from Perpignan in the south of France to Wakefield while Warrington Wolves and Harlequins meet at the Halliwell Jones Stadium to conclude the opening round of fixtures.

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