Keith Senior’s Super League Predictions: Playoffs Week 1

Warrington Wolves vs Castleford Tigers (Thursday 7.45pm)

Warrington have endured a really poor end to the season and will be disappointed to have finished fourth. Castleford scraped in fifth after Hull’s defeat to St Helens but their performance at Wigan last week has to be a concern. They seemed to lack creativity in attack and Wigan’s defence looked comfortable for the most part. On the other hand, Steve Price’s side have already proved they can step up when it matters and they will be expecting to win this game. I don’t think the Wolves are in the best form, but I can’t see Cas scoring enough points to beat them.

Keith says: Warrington by 4

Wigan Warriors vs Salford Red Devils (Friday 7.45pm)

I don’t think anyone could have predicted this would be 2nd vs 3rd in the playoffs two or three months ago. Both sides are in excellent form and Salford are on a club-record run of victories. It will be interesting to see how Jackson Hastings performs against his future club, but the displays of NRL-bound George Williams have caught my eye in recent weeks so that will be a great match-up. As well as Salford have been playing, winning away to Wigan in a playoff match is whole new level of difficulty and I can’t see past the Warriors progressing to face Saints next week.

Keith says: Wigan by 12