The predictions are in for Super League round nine, and yet again the competitiveness of the top flight means nearly all of this week’s games are almost impossible to predict.
Last week the predictions went awry on the weekend as Warrington Wolves lost to Catalans Dragons whilst bottom of the table Castleford Tigers shocked Wigan Warriors in a 24-14 win.
Those two defeated clubs face off against each other on Friday night in one of the games of the round, with St Helens versus Wakefield Trinity on Saturday evening another massive game as third hosts second.
The action starts on Thursday with Leigh hosting Huddersfield Giants at the same time as York Knights take on Toulouse in a repeat of last year’s Championship Grand Final.
Friday sees that Wire and Wigan clash, as well as Castleford Tigers versus Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos hosting Catalans Dragons. The other game of Super League round nine sees an injury-hit Bradford Bulls host Hull KR on Saturday.
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Super League round nine predictions
Leigh Leopards v Huddersfield Giants – Thursday, April 23rd – 8:00 pm
Peter Smith: Leigh 24-12 Huddersfield
Both teams have improved over recent weeks, but Giants suffered a demoralising defeat last Friday and home advantage should make it Leigh’s night.
Sam Cook: Leigh 22-16 Huddersfield
For Leigh, you feel this could be a must-win game and after last week’s win over York, they could well kickstart their season with a win over a Huddersfield side who shipped over 50 last week.
Sam Brocksom: Leigh 22-18 Huddersfield
Almost every tie this weekend is tough to predict, and this one is no different. Giants will want to respond after a questionable defensive display last time out, whilst Leigh saw last week’s win as a turning point, and in front of their home crowd will want to secure back-to-back wins.
York Knights v Toulouse Olympique – Thursday, April 23rd – 8:00 pm
PS: York 25-18 Toulouse
This is a huge game for two teams who are finding wins hard to come by. There doesn’t look to be much between them, so home advantage might be the crucial factor.
SC: York 14-12 Toulouse
York haven’t won since round three and Toulouse not since round two, highlighting the importance of this game. With both teams down on troops, I’ll favour the home side in a low-scoring affair.
SB: York 12-14 Toulouse
Toulouse know how to get the better of York, having done so in last year’s Championship Grand Final. With no wins in their last six, Sylvain Houles’ side will have targeted this game as one that they must win if they want to avoid finishing bottom of the league in 2026.
Castleford Tigers v Hull FC – Friday, 24th April – 8:00 pm
PS: Castleford 22-16 Hull FC
Another one that could go either way, but if – and it’s a big if – Tigers can pick up where they left off against Wigan last Sunday, they should make it back-to-back wins.
SC: Castleford 28-16 Hull FC
Castleford were so impressive against Wigan but their issues this year have been backing results up and they could do so this week against a Hull FC side in turmoil, both in respect to injuries and the recent departure of John Cartwright.
SB: Castleford 26-18 Hull FC
After an upset win over Wigan, it is imperative that the Tigers back that result up with another strong showing. I expect them to do that on Friday night against an FC side who’s efforts could go either way after the stepping down of John Cartwright.
Leeds Rhinos v Catalans Dragons – Friday, 24th April – 8:00 pm
PS: Leeds 34-10 Catalans
Unpredictable Catalans are coming off a very good win against Warrington and have the tools to trouble Leeds, but Rhinos’ home form is good and unless they suffer a big drop off from last week, they should win with something to spare.
SC: Leeds 28-10 Catalans
Brad Arthur was not impressed with his side’s defence last week so expect a reaction in that aspect and with Catalans not the best when travelling, this should be a comfortable home win.
SB: Leeds 36-12 Catalans
After thumping Huddersfield last week, if Leeds are to truly prove they are title contenders this season, they need to start showing their attacking prowess we know they have on a more consistent basis. Top of the league and with a healthy home crowd alongside them, I think Leeds could come away with another comfortable win.
Warrington Wolves v Wigan Warriors – Friday, 24th April – 8:00 pm
PS: Warrington 18-20 Wigan
Warrington will be hurting from last week’s loss in Perpignan, but surely Wigan can’t lose four successive Super League games?
SC: Warrington 28-14 Wigan
Both teams will improve from last week but it’s just hard to see where points come from for Wigan who are again without both starting halves.
SB: Warrington 20-18 Wigan
A George Williams-less Warrington taking on a Bevan French and Harry Smith-less Wigan means both sides are significantly hampered, but it makes this game even more unpredictable. Wigan are looking to avoid a fourth straight Super League defeat, whilst Warrington need to prove their early season form wasn’t a blip and bounce back with a win over their fellow play-off rivals.
Bradford Bulls v Hull KR – Saturday, 25th April – 3:00 pm
PS: Bradford 10-50 Hull KR
Bulls are struggling to get 17 players on the field and Rovers have found their attacking feet in recent weeks so it can only be a big win for the visitors.
SC: Bradford 0-54 Hull KR
Bradford are massively down on troops and Hull KR are starting to get into the swing of things having nilled Toulouse last week. The Robins will be fancied to put on plenty of points but they’ll care most about trying to keep the Bulls to nil.
SB: Bradford 4-52 Hull KR
Kurt Haggerty has said the club have just 15 fit players as it stands, and whilst they may bring some loans in before Saturday’s game, I can’t see anything but a hefty KR win.
St Helens v Wakefield Trinity – Saturday, 25th April – 5:30 pm
PS: St Helens 20-24 Wakefield
Potentially the game of the round. Saints have coped remarkably well with their seemingly endless injury crisis, but a Trinity win would prove they are genuine contenders this year.
SC: St Helens 18-16 Wakefield
A real litmus test for both teams and home advantage could count for plenty here. Saints are slowly getting bodies back and have more experience in big games.
SB: St Helens 20-28 Wakefield
This game is the one I am most looking forward to, as it pits two in-form teams, both of whom are level on points at the top of Super League. After watching Trinity’s past few performances, I think they have enough to travel across the M62 and come away with a statement victory.
Predictions Leaderboard
1st: Peter Smith– 51
2nd: Sam Cook – 43
3rd: Sam Brocksom – 40
