Ahead of the third instalment of Rivals Round in Super League, it’s time for our writers to make their weekly predictions, and a huge upset has been tipped.
Before we get into this week’s calls though, let’s take a look at how our writers did last week, and leader Pete Smith edged his way further in front with five correct predictions, whilst the two Sam’s only managed four correct.
They say form goes out of the window in derby matches, so that could make this week’s games even harder to predict. Two out-of-form Hull sides kick things off on Thursday night, before Wigan play St Helens and Wakefield host Castleford on Friday.
York v Huddersfield is game one of Saturday’s triple header, with that game coming before Leigh v Warrington and Toulouse v Catalans.
Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls round out the action on Sunday, in what is the Bulls’ first competitive trip to Headingley in 12 years.
Leeds’ shock defeat, Hull KR star banned and is there a disconnect at St Helens? – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
Super League Round 20 predictions
Hull FC v Hull KR – Thursday 23rd July @ 8:00pm
Peter Smith: Hull FC 24-20 Hull KR
FC have got to win a derby eventually, they might be due a good performance and the Robins, who are without Mikey Lewis, aren’t playing well.
Sam Cook: Hull FC 22-23 Hull KR
Two teams bang out of form, but form goes out the door in a derby anyway. A loss here for KR could be pivotal to their play-off hopes, and whilst FC would love to hand it to them, I’ll favour the stronger team to edge it.
Sam Brocksom: Hull FC 20-16 Hull KR
I’m going for a shock here, and saying that Willie Peters will lose his final Hull derby. Mikey Lewis is out, so that levels the playing field significantly, and if there’s any game FC will be up for, it’s this one.
Wigan Warriors v St Helens – Friday 24th July @ 8:00pm
PS: Wigan 26-12 St Helens
Both teams have key players returning, but Bevan French – if he plays – will be a huge boost for Wigan and their current form is too good for faltering Saints.
SC: Wigan 24-14 St Helens
Wigan can pull closer to Leeds after their shock loss last week and Saints, despite their win last week, may find it tough here.
SB: Wigan 36-18 St Helens
With Bevan French and Liam Marshall back, Wigan are basically at full-strength, and as long as they keep their discipline, will be too strong for the depleted Saints.
Wakefield Trinity v Castleford Tigers – Friday 24th July @ 8:00pm
PS: Wakefield 30-10 Castleford
Tigers had a great win last week, but that will have taken a lot out of them and Trinity, on their own ground, will maintain this season’s stranglehold.
SC: Wakefield 30-12 Castleford
Wakefield weren’t at their best last week, but they get extended rest ahead of the derby, and Castleford will struggle to find the heights they hit against Leeds.
SB: Wakefield 40-8 Castleford
Wakey have thumped Castleford twice this season, and despite the Tigers beating Leeds last week, I can’t see anything other than another convincing win.
York Knights v Huddersfield Giants – Saturday 25th July @ 3:00pm
PS: York 32-16 Huddersfield
Giants won’t get many better chances to pick up only their third Super League win this year, but Knights’ recent form has been good and they were clearly the better side three weeks ago.
SC: York Knights 32-26 Huddersfield
The Giants will see this as a huge opportunity but York have shown plenty in recent weeks, even in last week’s loss to Toulouse and I’ll take them to get back in the win column.
SB: York 16-26 Huddersfield
Huddersfield fought incredibly hard last week against Wigan before just coming up short. If they can perform like that again, I think they will have enough to claim the win.
Leigh Leopards v Warrington Wolves – Saturday 25th July @ 5:30pm
PS: Leigh 26-10 Warrington
Warrington had a big win last week, but Leigh were much the better team at Magic Weekend and, with home advantage this time, should be too strong.
SC: Leigh 28-20 Warrington
Sam Burgess’ side had a brilliant win last week against Hull KR, but the Leopards had the measure of them at Magic Weekend, and they should do so again.
SB: Leigh 28-18 Warrington
This game will be won or lost depending on if Robbie Mulhern and Joe Ofahengaue return for Leigh. If they do, I can see the Leopards claiming their second straight win over the Wolves.
Toulouse Olympique v Catalans Dragons – Saturday 25th July @ 8:00pm (UK)
PS: Toulouse 30-10 Catalans
It might not be the rout it was three weeks ago, but Toulouse are playing well and have learned how to win while their French rivals are in all sorts of strife.
SC: Toulouse 38-32 Catalans
Catalans will be reeling after last week, and that should see them start fast, something that coincides with the trend of Toulouse starting slow and then hitting back hard.
SB: Toulouse 34-20 Catalans
Toulouse put 60 on Catalans at Magic, and whilst I think this time round will be more competitive, it should still be a comfortable win for Sylvain Houles’ side.
Leeds Rhinos v Bradford Bulls – Sunday 26th July @ 3:00pm
PS: Leeds 40-18 Bradford
Rhinos response incoming after their loss at Castleford.
SC: Leeds 54-16 Bradford
Bradford are unfortunate that they get to come up against a Rhinos side on the back of a loss, with Brad Arthur’s side sure to hit back and hit back hard.
SB: Leeds 50-10 Bradford
Leeds will want to respond after their shock loss on Sunday, and there is no better time or place to do it than at home against their local rivals.
Predictions Leaderboard:Â
1st: Peter Smith – 110 (+5)
2nd: Sam Cook – 107 (+4)
3rd: Sam Brocksom – 100 (+4)
