Super League Predictions: Hull to stun Wigan, Cas to thrash Salford & KR to shock Wire

It’s that time of the year again where all pundits and fans try and predict how teams will fare each week.

Three sides still remain unbeaten, whilst three sides still remain winless so it’s going to be an interesting weekend.

But, here go the predictions for round five.

Wigan v Hull FC

Two of the three last unbeaten sides in Super League go head-to-head on Thursday night. There’s just one change for the Warriors as youngster Sam Halsall returns in place of Thomas Leuluai, who misses out through a sternum injury. Brett Hodgson, meanwhile, makes two changes to his squad, with Bureta Faraimo (suspended) and Josh Bowden (elbow) dropping out. They are replaced by young prop Jack Brown and 17-year-old outside back Harvey Barron, who makes his maiden 21-man squad appearance. This should be one of the best games of the year so far and, despite being away from home, Hull will raise their game and could well spring a surprise here.

Hull FC by 7

Leigh v St Helens

The form of these two sides couldn’t be more different heading into round five with Leigh winless and St Helens unbeaten. To make matters worse for the Centurions, Saints have let in just four tries in four matches. The Centurions welcome back three players, with Nathaniel Peteru (head) and Matty Wildie returning, while Junior Sa’u has recovered from a knee injury and is in contention for the first time this season. Young loanees Josh Simm and Keanan Brand are the men to drop out. Tommy Makinson returns for Saints after missing last week with a foot problem. He replaces Joel Thompson, who has sustained a foot injury of his own. There’s one other change, with back rower or centre Ben Davies coming in for Tom Nisbet. You can’t really see past a St Helens thrashing here, sorry Leigh fans.

St Helens by 20

Wakefield v Catalans

Catalans’ unbeaten run was ended last week by Warrington – the French side have looked great one week and poor the next so far in 2021 so anything can happen here. Wakefield, meanwhile, have yet to win a game, but came so close against Hull FC last weekend. New Trinity loan signings Olly Ashall-Bott and Josh Eaves are included by Chris Chester after each penning two-week deals. They replace Jack Croft and Brad Walker, while Bill Tupou also returns in place of Ryan Hampshire, who has a jaw injury. There’s two changes for the Dragons, with Joel Tomkins returning from suspension to feature for the first time this season. He is joined in the 21-man squad by teenage forward Joe Chan, with Matt Whitley (neck) and Benjamin Jullien dropping out. Wakefield could finally get their first win of the season.

Wakefield by 6

Salford v Castleford

Salford finally got their first win of the season last week against Leigh, with veteran Kevin Brown running the show. Castleford, on the other hand, fell to their first defeat to Wigan. The Red Devils welcome back Kallum Watkins and Danny Addy from respective hand and hip injuries, while Andy Ackers returns from suspension. They replace Pauli Pauli, Dec Patton, Jack Wells and Matty Costello, with Richard Marshall only naming an initial 20-man squad this week. Tyla Hepi drops out of Daryl Powell’s squad as he serves the first game of his two-match suspension, while Daniel Smith and Jordan Turner also miss out. They are replaced by Jesse Sene-Lefao who returns from how own ban, Gareth O’Brien and Lewis Peachey. Though the Tigers lost last time out, they should have far too much here.

Castleford by 16

Warrington v Hull KR

With two wins in a row, Hull KR are in fine form, but Warrington haven’t lost since the opening weekend. And, the Wolves are set to welcome Greg Inglis into the squad for what will be his debut. Who will he replace though? Jake Mamo has deputised excellently whilst Toby King is a man on a mission in 2021. Meanwhile, Rovers look destined to cause all teams problems this year. And, against his former side, Tony Smith could well mastermind a famous victory here.

Hull KR by 2