It’s fair to say round three of Super League threw up a couple of results few will have seen coming.
Leeds Rhinos were the big winners of the weekend as they obliterated Hull KR at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, running in 10 tries against the world champions. Wigan Warriors scored nine against last year’s play-off semi-finalists Leigh Leopards, while York Knights pulled off the biggest shock result as they beat Hull FC at the MKM Stadium.
The first three rounds have been so intriguing and while it doesn’t necessarily make predicting results easy, here’s hoping round four goes a similar way with shocks and talking points galore.
Wakefield Trinity get this week underway with the visit of Hull FC on Thursday night, before Warrington Wolves go to York Knights and Leigh Leopards host Catalans Dragons on Friday.
Wigan Warriors are in France to play Toulouse Olympique on Saturday before St Helens take on Bradford Bulls.
And, Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR will play their first games post-Vegas on Sunday as they face Castleford Tigers and Huddersfield Giants respectively.
Below are all our picks, as well as an update on the predictions leaderboard.
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Super League round four predictions
Wakefield Trinity v Hull FC – Thursday 5 March – 8pm
Will Jackson: Wakefield 24-12 Hull FC
I’ve watched Hull FC on two occasions this season and they’ve severely underwhelmed on both occasions. They lacked any sort of attacking plan last against York Knights and I think they’ll struggle to find a way through a Wakefield Trinity side who have been relatively resolute so far.
Sam Cook: Wakefield 17-16 Hull FC
Both sides will feel this is a massive game as they bid to avoid a one and three record but I’m narrowly favouring the home team and not necessarily because of home advantage, given Hull FC’s strong away record. Trinity just have more bodies available in key positions and I think they can grind it out.
Sam Brocksom: Wakefield 22-12 Hull FC
Wakefield will want to return home with a win, and with FC’s injury issues, they will see that as a huge opportunity.
York Knights v Warrington Wolves – Friday 6 March – 8pm
WJ: York 18-34 Warrington
York have impressed me so far but I can’t see a way in which they beat Warrington on Friday night. I thought Warrington were very good last week against Wakefield, with Danny Walker and George Williams really coming to the fore. If they can replicate that type of showing, they should ease through the challenge of the Knights.
SC: York 10-28 Warrington
York keep upsetting the odds but Warrington have looked very strong in their two games so far. Danny Walker has been incredible at engineering quick rucks off the back of solid efforts from pack players like Toff Sipley and Liam Byrne, and if Wire can get into their groove then I see no reason why they won’t win comfortably.
SB: York 10-32 Warrington
The promoted side will again fancy themselves after beating Hull last week, but Warrington should be too strong for Mark Applegarth’s men.
Leigh Leopards v Catalans Dragons – Friday 6 March – 8pm
WJ: Leigh 18-14 Catalans
Leigh are missing an army of players and they’re coming off a hiding at Wigan, but I still think they have more character than Catalans, who have been woeful over the last couple of weeks. Adrian Lam’s side will look to get back to basics and with Lachlan Lam pulling the strings, they’ll be looking to him to conjure up some magic.
SC: Leigh 16-19 Catalans
I was all set to pick Leigh based on my belief in Adrian Lam as a coach and the fact he will be able to right the wrongs of last week, however, the squad has been hit so hard with injuries that it’s really hard to pick them. No Benjamin Garcia is a big miss for Catalans but I’ll back them to narrowly have enough to beat a downbeaten Leigh whose 20-man squad includes two injured players.
SB: Leigh 16-10 Catalans
A home side riddled with injuries and an away team out of form, the Leopards will have to do it tough if they want a win in front of their own fans.
Toulouse Olympique v Wigan Warriors – Saturday 7 March – 5pm
WJ: Toulouse 16-28 Wigan
The loss of Jai Field is a big one and it could have a big impact on the way Wigan play with their speed around the ruck being reduced. However, I can still see them easing through the challenge of Toulouse at Stade Ernest Wallon.
SC: Toulouse 10-38 Wigan
Jai Field or no Jai Field, Wigan are still the best team so far by a country mile. I’d love to see Jack Farrimond get a run in the halves with French moved to full-back but whatever route Matt Peet chooses, I still see Wigan as being far too strong for a Toulouse side who picked up some knocks against Bradford.
SB: Toulouse 6-28 Wigan
Wigan will be weakened with Jai Field on the sidelines, but they still should have enough to put in a complete performance over the French side.
St Helens v Bradford Bulls – Saturday 7 March – 5.30pm
WJ: St Helens 28-22 Bradford
Judging by the first three rounds of Super League action, Bradford will score points in Merseyside, but I think the Saints just have enough about them to score more. They have injury issues of their own but I think the likes of Daryl Clark and Tristan Sailor could be key here.
SC: St Helens 18-14 Bradford
As much as I want to go against the favourites and back the free-flowing Bradford, I’ve seen enough of St Helens in the past two weeks to show they have the grit to win potential banana skin games like this. Controlling the offload game that Bradford play will be key and the loss of Alex Walmsley is massive but this is a game where I think Jackson Hastings earns his money by displaying an elite level of control.
SB: St Helens 24-10 Bradford
Both sides have been struck with injuries, but Saints should have enough to earn their third straight win.
Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers – Sunday 8 March – 3pm
WJ: Leeds 20-10 Castleford
Leeds blew Hull KR away last week in Las Vegas but I’d expect Sunday’s contest to be a lot closer as the Rhinos deal with the after effects of the trip. So, while I fimrly believe they’ll beat Castleford, I expect the Tigers to make them sweat.
SC: Leeds 30-16 Castleford
The Tigers showed a lot of fight in their win over Huddersfield and Ashton Golding was particularly impressive but they’ll need a lot to go their way to beat Leeds and I don’t think jet lag is enough. Maika Sivo against Mikaele Ravalawa could be worth the entrance fee alone for this one.
SB: Leeds 24-16 Castleford
The Rhinos will need to avoid a Vegas hangover, but their opponents Castleford will be more than up for their trip to Headingley.
Huddersfield Giants v Hull KR – Satuday 8 March – 3pm
WJ: Huddersfield 6-38 Hull KR
Huddersfield are the worst team in Super League and as a result, they have to be the perfect team for Hull KR to face when they’re looking for a response. The Robins were humiliated on Saturday night and despite the jet lag and the post-Vegas tiredness, they simply have to set the record straight and claim their first Super League points of the year.
SC: Huddersfield 12-30 Hull KR
There will have been plenty of reflection this week for both camps but it is surely Hull KR who are stinging the most and their class should shine through in a battle of Super League’s bottom two.
SB: Huddersfield 0-24 Hull KR
KR will see this game as a perfect opportunity to bounce back from their Vegas nightmare, and Willie Peters will want a complete response from his side.
Predictions Leaderboard
1st: Will Jackson – 14
2nd: Sam Cook – 11
3rd: Sam Brocksom – 11
