Super League Magic Weekend is ahead of us with the competition’s showpiece event heading to the Hill Dickinson Stadium this weekend, with plenty of tough ties to predict.
Six of the round’s seven games will be played at the home of Everton Football Club, whilst the French derby between Catalans Dragons and Toulouse will be played at a neutral ground in France on the Saturday evening.
Before getting into this week’s predictions, we can recap how we went last week with Sam Cook leading the way with just five points, as York Knights’ upset win went unpredicted by all.
This week, it’s the return of rivals for Super League Magic Weekend, and that means some huge games with the Hull derby headlining day one before Wigan Warriors and St Helens cap off day two in the finale.
Our predictions for those seven games, as well as an updated leaderboard, can be seen below.
Super League Magic Weekend predictions
Huddersfield Giants v York Knights – Saturday, 4th July @ 12:30 pm
Peter Smith: Huddersfield 16-20 York
Tough to call after York’s superb win at Castleford and Giants’ near-miss against Wakefield. It could hinge on whether Huddersfield were inspired or deflated last week, but Knights will certainly be on a high – and they’ve got Paul McShane.
Sam Cook: Huddersfield 20-18 York
Jim Lenihan’s side are certainly improving and they came very close last week against Wakefield. York will be buoyed by their own win but the Giants could sneak the opening game of the weekend.
Sam Brocksom: Huddersfield 20-16 York
A game that could go either way, after going so close against Wakefield, I think the Giants now have the confidence that they can go all the way and finally earn victory under Jim Lenihan
Hull KR v Hull FC – Saturday, 4th July @ 3:00 pm
PS: Hull KR 30-10 Hull FC
The Robins will have to be a lot better than they were against Leeds last week, but FC have shown no signs in recent seasons of being able to beat their fiercest rivals.
SC: Hull KR 25-24 Hull FC
Whilst Hull FC have been down on troops all year, the same issue is starting to hit hard for Hull KR with several of their pack stars out for this one and after FC put in a much-improved performance against Wigan, they’ll have plenty of confidence but ultimately I think a Mikey Lewis drop goal seals this.
SB: Hull KR 32-22 Hull FC
The lack of Hadley, Amone and Pangai Jr will significantly hamper the Robins, but FC’s pack is equally as depleted, so this game comes down to the backs, which Rovers are significantly superior in.
Warrington Wolves v Leigh Leopards – Saturday, 4th July @ 5:30 pm
PS: Warrington 16-18 Leigh
Another tricky one, but Leigh were impressive at Toulouse last week and Warrington have looked shaky in their last couple of games.
SC: Warrington 18-26 Leigh
Leigh are on the charge right now and whilst they have some key men doutbful, Warrington will be missing more and their steam appears to be running out right now.
SB: Warrington 20-28 Leigh
Adrian Lam’s side need this win to stay within two points of the play-offs, and with Wire’s recent injuries, I think Adrian Lam can maintain his 100% record as Leigh boss at Magic Weekend.
Catalans Dragons v Toulouse Olympique – Saturday, 4th July @ 8:00 pm
PS: Catalans 20-30 Toulouse
Toulouse keep giving opponents a start, but if they match Catalans early on they might snatch a surprise win.
SC: Catalans 34-28 Toulouse
If Toulouse don’t give themselves a 20-point deficit to catch up on, as they typically do, then this could be a belter in France but the Olympians seem to find ways to lose games and John Cartwright has got the Dragons starting to fire.
SB: Catalans 26-12 Toulouse
The Dragons should be able to respond after a poor showing against Warrington, but Toulouse certainly won’t make it easy for them.
Wakefield Trinity v Castleford Tigers – Sunday, 5th July @ 12:30 pm
PS: Wakefield 40-16 Castleford
Though Tigers are improving, they took a backwards step last week and Trinity, after a scare against Giants, should be too strong.
SC: Wakefield 34-26 Castleford
Even though Wakefield got the win against Huddersfield last week, both sides will want a response, but I think it will be Trinity who respond louder and take this despite a Jason Qareqare hat-trick.
SB: Wakefield 40-16 Castleford
This could very easily come back to bite me, but something tells me this game will be the most one-sided contest of the weekend, with Trinity taking a comfortable win.
Leeds Rhinos v Bradford Bulls – Sunday, 5th July @ 3:00 pm
PS: Leeds 40-10 Bradford
Bulls will be up for this, but Leeds will win if they play well.
SC: Leeds 40-12 Bradford
It might be a derby and they can be unpredictable but Leeds are the best team in the competition right now. So long as they don’t overlook the Bulls, which I can’t see a Brad Arthur side doing, they should win easy.
SB: Leeds 30-10 Bradford
Leeds look far too strong at the minute for Bradford to pull off any sort of upset victory.
Wigan Warriors v St Helens – Sunday, 5th July @ 5:30 pm
PS: Wigan 24-14 St Helens
Wigan have injury problems, and Saints are on the back of a morale-boosting win last week; however, the Cup holders are a very difficult side to beat at the moment.
SC: Wigan 22-20 St Helens
Whilst Saints have been plagued with injuries all year, Wigan have just been hit incredibly hard, and they’re set to hand out appearances to some of their youngsters in what is being dubbed the battle of identities. The Red Vee could well capitalise on that, but as was the case at Magic Weekend in 2024, I’m backing Jack Farrimond to steal the show.
SB: Wigan 18-26 St Helens
Is this a shock tip? You would say so on form, but Wigan’s recent injuries are a real leveller. It was a strong second half for Saints against Bradford, something they will need to continue here.
1st: Peter Smith – 93
2nd: Sam Cook – 92
3rd: Sam Brocksom – 87
