Huddersfield Giants vs Castleford Tigers Predictions: Lolohea to help provide edge in season-ender

It’s ninth versus 10th to finish the Betfred Super League season at the John Smith’s Stadium on Thursday as Huddersfield Giants host Castleford Tigers at the end of a forgettable campaign for both sides (kick-off 20:00 BST, Sky Sports+).

Both sides were hammered last week and will look to finish on a high in this West Yorkshire derby, with my Huddersfield Giants vs Castleford Tigers predictions largely dependent on which of the sides has the bigger appetite for this season-ender.

Huddersfield Giants vs Castleford Tigers Odds

The Giants are Betfred’s favourites to bounce back from their Round 26 defeat to Warrington Wolves with victory, priced at 4/7. Castleford are a competitive 6/4, implying a 40% chance of taking the two points, with 18/1 available for the draw in 80 minutes.

Team News

The Giants make a number of changes as head coach Luke Robinson looks to salvage a bit of pride following last week’s 66-0 home humiliation by Warrington.

Four key men are back, with two of them set to play their final games for the club. Chris Hill and Adam Milner will leave the Giants but are back in the mix for the final home game after recovering from injuries.

Ash Golding and Harry Rushton are back too, but there is no Kevin Naiqama, meaning the 2021 Grand Final Player of the Match has played his final game for the club.

Rugby League Odds

Castleford make just one change to the squad beaten 40-4 at St Helens last week. Head coach Craig Lingard brings prop Sylvester Namo back into the 21, with Alfie Howell the man to make way.

Handicap 3-way: Huddersfield -4 @ 20/21

This could either be a forgettable season-ender between two sides with absolutely nothing to play for, or it could end up being an entertaining free-for-all.

I’m leaning towards it being more of the former unfortunately, between two distinctly average sides who will need big face-lifts over the off-season.

Neither side is in any kind of form, with Huddersfield having won one of their last four – and having conceded over 60 points twice during that run, and Castleford winning just once in their last eight.

These sides actually only met last month, with Huddersfield securing a 20-12 home win, and that is pretty much how I expect this one to go.

The Tigers have a wretched record in this fixture, with Huddersfield winning each of their last six meetings, and nine of the last 10,

I’m not expecting to be too entertained by this one in truth, but I am expecting the Giants to win the arm wrestle, with their departing stars Hill, Milner, Esan Marsters, Oliver Russell and Seb Ikahihifo to sign off on a winning note

Tui Lolohea Anytime Tryscorer @ 1/1

There is still some class in this Huddersfield side, so too the Tigers squad, regardless of the work that lies ahead for the two head coaches over the winter months.

Since leaving Leeds Rhinos, Tui Lolohea has looked a class act and is always a danger in this Giants team.

When Huddersfield beat London Broncos a couple of weeks ago he was the difference, crossing for two tries, and I expect the Tonga international to be a danger again this weekend.

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