Super League Predictions: Another loss for Leeds Rhinos and a classic in France

After a thrilling break from the Challenge Cup quarter-final, the Super League is back in action this weekend. The stage is set for Hull FC and London Broncos to seek their first win, while Warrington, Wigan, and St Helens are gearing up to challenge the league leaders, Catalan Dragons.

This week, the Super League has a strategic schedule, with matches only on Friday and Saturday. The six fixtures are evenly split between the two days, leaving Sunday for the Championship sides.

The first three fixtures of the Super League will all be played on Friday at 8pm. The opening match sees Leeds Rhinos, a team looking to regain their winning form, welcoming the Huddersfield Giants, who are riding high on their recent victory against the Catalans Dragons.

Leeds Rhinos v Huddersfield Giants 

Leeds Rhinos, currently sitting eighth in the Super League with eight points, are in a crucial position. After a heavy defeat at home to an in-form Warrington side, a win on Friday is of utmost importance if they want to stay in contention for the play-off places, making this game a must-watch for fans.

Meanwhile, the Huddersfield Giants come into this game with a lot of confidence, having beaten the Catalans Dragons away in the Challenge Cup last weekend.

Their incredible run in the Challenge Cup is similar to their form in the Super League. The Giants currently sit sixth with eight points and after their win against the Broncos in the previous round, they should make it two from two.

Verdict: Leeds Rhinos 18-28 Huddersfield Giants

St Helens v Hull FC 

The second game of the night sees St Helens v Hull FC. The Saints will look to make a statement in this game after a disappointing exit in the Challenge Cup last weekend.

Last weekend’s performance was a disaster for the Saints, who were binned out in the quarter-final by an impressive Warrington side. This leaves head coach Paul Wellens with a lot of thinking to do for the upcoming game against Hull.

However, it’s not all bad news for the Saints this season; despite being fifth in the Super League so far, they are only two points behind the leaders Catalans, who they lost to in their previous Super League match.

Hull FC recently sacked their head coach, Tony Smith, after he had only recorded one win this season, against London Broncos.

Hull currently sits eleventh in the table, with a points difference of -116 points, two points above the Broncos, who have yet to win this season.

This should be a good game for the Saints to get back to winning ways with a comfortable win against a poor Hull FC side.

Verdict: Saint Helens 24-10-Hull FC

Wigan Warriors v Castleford Tigers

The third and final game of the night sees Wigan Warriors host Castleford Tigers in the Super League, a repeat fixture from the Challenge Cup last week.

This will be the third time this season the two have faced each other, but the first time it will be played at the DW Stadium. Wigan were victorious in the two meetings, the more recent one happening in the Challenge Cup quarter-final, in which the game ended 60-6 to Wigan.

The Warriors sit third in the Super League with five wins and one defeat, just two points off first and a game in hand against the Leigh Leopards.

Castleford clinched their first win in the Super League against Salford Red Devils at home, putting them tenth in the League.

This fixture should be an easy win for Wigan, and Cas will try not to let the game run away from them too much, as points difference may play a vital part in where they finish at the end of the season.

Verdict: Wigan Warriors 40-10 Castleford Tigers

 London Broncos v Salford Red Devils 

The first Saturday fixture sees London Broncos v Salford Red Devils, in a game where London will try to claim their first win of the season.

It’s been a miserable season for everyone involved with the Broncos. They have failed to win a single game this season and currently sit at the bottom with a points difference of -226.

Salford was outmuscled in their defeat against Castleford in the last League game; despite being in the lead for large parts of the game, they lost 36-24.

Despite this bad result, Salford has had a decent start to the season, winning four of their last seven matches in the League. They currently sit seventh with eight points and should make it ten points in the League with a win against London on Saturday.

Verdict: London Broncos 10-28 Salford Red Devils

 Warrington Wolves v Leigh Leopards 

The second mid-afternoon game sees Warrington Wolves against Leigh Leopards, in-game where the Wolves would like to continue this impressive run of form.

The Wolves had a historic victory at the weekend, beating a disappointing St Helens side to progress into the semi-final of the Challenge Cup. Their impressive run so far this season has put them second in the Super League with five wins and two defeats, their two defeats came from the league leaders Catalans Dragons.

The Leopards have endured a difficult season. They have endured many injury crises, which have led to big defeats this season. Leigh currently sits ninth with only one win, which was against Hull FC.

Leigh has recently been dumped out of the Challenge Cup against Hull KR, which means their season rests on chasing the play-off places at the end of the season. 

The Leopards have, at times, looked dangerous going forward. Warrington should not be fazed by this and should win comfortably at home.

Verdict: Warrington Wolves 26-12 Leigh Leopards 

Catalans Dragons v Hull KR 

In the final round of the Super League, round eight, the stage is set for a potentially unpredictable match. Catalan Dragons host Hull KR in the south of France, a game that could go either way, adding an element of intrigue to the weekend’s fixtures.

In the Challenge Cup, the Catalans were stunned by a well-drilled Huddersfield team that knocked them out at home. The Dragons only managed to claim one try in the game.

Despite this disappointing end to their Challenge Cup hopes, Catalan are currently leading the way at the top of the table with six wins in seven games, their defeat game against Leeds Rhinos.

Hull KR has had a great season so far. They are in the Semi-final of the Challenge Cup and two points behind Catalan, who are at the top of the table. 

There is no doubt that this is the game of the round. The Catalan’s aggressive attacking style at home should be the difference in this tight game.

Catalans: Dragons 12-10 Hull KR