Super League Predictions: Leeds in trouble, Wakefield to stun Castleford & Wigan to beat St Helens?

It’s that time of the week again when Super League predictions come in thick and fast.

With round eight of Super League upon us, the Easter program is notoriously difficult for sides with a number of bizarre results often showing up.

Four games will take place today, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Castleford Tigers, Catalans Dragons taking on Toulouse Olympique, Leeds Rhinos hosting Huddersfield Giants and Warrington Wolves doing battle with Salford Red Devils.

Then, Hull KR take on Hull FC in the famous derby tomorrow, with St Helens and Wigan Warriors rounding off the first stage of the Easter program.

But, how will the teams fare?

Catalans Dragons vs Toulouse Olympique

The first ever French derby in Super League sees Catalans host Toulouse at the Stade Gilbert Brutus. In a highly-anticipated fixture, the Dragons will be without talisman Sam Tomkins, whilst Gil Dudson and Samisoni Langi also miss out. For Toulouse, it is an opportunity to stamp down their authority in the top flight. With a bumper crowd expected for this historic game, Sky Sports will be broadcasting the fixture as both teams aim to bounce back from respective defeats to St Helens and Castleford Tigers last time out. Despite Toulouse’s recent improvements, Catalans should be too strong.

Catalans by 12

Wakefield Trinity vs Castleford Tigers

Could this be Wakefield’s first win over Castleford in seven years? It certainly has the potential to be with Trinity in fine form of late, losing just once in five games. The Tigers, meanwhile, have won just three games all season and were thrown out of the Challenge Cup with a poor showing at Hull KR. Lee Radford’s men will also be without the likes of Jordan Turner and Bureta Faraimo, the former whom could be out for the season. Wakefield, on the other hand, should have David Fifita and Tom Johnstone back in contention, though captain Jacob Miller misses out again. Trinity have been more impressive than Castleford this season so the seven-year hoodoo will end.

Wakefield by 8

Leeds Rhinos vs Huddersfield Giants

It’s not been a common occurrence in the Super League era that Huddersfield can boast a much better record than their West Yorkshire rivals Leeds. But, that is true in 2022 with the Giants losing just two games in cup and league all year, whilst the Rhinos have won just once so far. And, to make matters worse for Jamie Jones-Buchanan’s side, they will be without Aidan Sezer for a month, whilst David Fusitu’a is still nursing a knee injury. Huddersfield will be without Sebastine Ikahihifo who has broken his arm, but Ian Watson’s men are in fine form at present. As such, the Giants should be able to overcome Leeds even at Headingley.

Huddersfield by 14

Warrington Wolves vs Salford Red Devils

This is perhaps one of the most interesting ties of the weekend, with neither side pulling up trees so far in the 2022 campaign. In fact, both sides have won just three games from eight fixtures, though the Wolves have arguably been on a bigger slide than the Red Devils. Daryl Powell’s side have lost their last five games, including a 34-18 drubbing by Hull KR in the Challenge Cup, whilst Salford were beaten by Wakefield Trinity last time out. The Wolves will also be without halfback George Williams due to injury as Oliver Holmes also sits out, but Stefan Ratchford and Matty Ashton will play. The Red Devils will not have Dan Sarginson, but Kallum Watkins and Harvey Livett are expected to return soon. Salford may just edge it here.

Salford by 4

Hull KR vs Hull FC

The Hull derby is back and what a spectacle it promises to be! Both sides have been inconsistent in Super League so far, but KR are in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup following a hammering of Castleford. FC, meanwhile, lost out to Huddersfield, but could be buoyed by the return of Jordan Lane, whilst Andre Savelio has shrugged off a knee problem. Carlos Tuimavave and Jamie Shaul will sit out this one as will Mikey Lewis for the Robins. The diminutive halfback is likely to be out for up to two months, but Rowan Milnes is a more than adequate replacement. Tony Smith has got KR firing in periods in 2022 and they may prove to be too strong for their Black and White opponents tomorrow.

Hull KR by 6

St Helens vs Wigan Warriors

The top of the table clash sees St Helens do battle with Wigan Warriors with bragging rights also on the line. Both sides have lost just one game all season and both are in the Challenge Cup semi-finals, making this fixture even more tasty. Saints will be without Regan Grace and Sione Mata’utia, but welcome back Jake Wingfield from concussion. The Warriors boss Matty Peet has dropped Zak Hardaker for ‘dipping below standards’ whilst Liam Marshall is also injured. James McDonnell and Sam Halsall have been recalled. It’s the last game of the Good Friday fixtures, but it is likely to be the best. Saints, however, may be too strong once again.

St Helens by 4