If last week’s round of Super League action was focused on the bottom of the table, Huddersfield v Hull FC, this week is certainly about the top of the table with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leeds Rhinos in a game that has split the predictions.
It’s arguably the biggest game of the season so far with a packed-out West Yorkshire derby set to pay a vital role in who wins the League Leaders Shield but before diving into that, we need to look at last week’s Super League predictions.
Sam Cook recorded a clean sweep of seven successful picks and even came two points off an elusive correct score in two of the seven games, which that success taking him joint-top of the overall season leaderboard.
That could change this week given how many tough ties there are to pick, starting on Thursday when an out-of-shape St Helens take on a badly out-of-form Hull FC.
Friday then sees that epic Wakefield Trinity and Leeds Rhinos clash but there are also two other games, with Leigh Leopards aiming to bounce back against York Knights whilst Hull KR will hope not to slip up against Castleford Tigers.
Onto Saturday and Huddersfield seek a third consecutive win when they host Catalans in a game that is free to attend before Wigan play Toulouse and Warrington travel to Bradford.
Our picks for all of those games, as well as an update season leaderboard, can be found below.
Super League’s IMG nightmare, Hull FC hit new lows, and League Leaders Shield debate – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show!
Super League Round 22 Predictions
St Helens v Hull FC – Thursday, 6th August @ 8:00 pm
Peter Smith: St Helens 20-16 Hull FC
Two teams way out of form, so maybe home advantage will swing it.
Sam Cook: St Helens 28-18 Hull FC
Two teams who are out of sorts but the clear attacking quality on the field will be wearing a Red Vee and a game between two desperate sides likely comes down to executing in attack.
Sam Brocksom: St Helens 30-12 Hull FC
Saints should be wanting to put on a big display in front of their home fans, and have the perfect chance to bounce back against a woeful Hull FC side.
Castleford Tigers v Hull KR – Friday, 7th August @ 8:00 pm
PS: Castleford 6-40 Hull KR
Tigers appear to be in strife on and off the field and it’s hard to see Hull KR slipping up in what for them is a must-win game.
SC: Castleford 24-30 Hull KR
I think Rovers could have a bit of a scare here as, by the typical Castleford Tigers’ inconsistency-ometer, they’re due a performance. Whether that’s enough for a Rovers side who are finding their feet again is another question.
SB: Castleford 10-50 Hull KR
With uncertainty looming over coach Ryan Carr, the Tigers are in real trouble of conceding another blowout score.
Leigh Leopards v York Knights – Friday, 7th August @ 8:00 pm
PS: Leigh 36-20 York
Leigh had a disappointing result against Wigan last week, but should bounce back from a York side who may be suffering a hangover from their epic win over Saints.
SC: Leigh 28-24 York
The Knights got back to winning ways last week but Leigh away is a very different proposition. The Leopards may have key men back as well, which makes them harder to back against.
SB: Leigh 30-22 York
Both sides like to score points, which should make for an entertaining game at the LSV.
Wakefield Trinity v Leeds Rhinos – Friday, 7th August @ 8:00 pm
PS: Wakefield 24-16 Leeds
The biggest game of the season so far; Wakefield are on a seven-game winning run and have a good home record against Leeds so have to be favourites.
SC: Wakefield 24-22 Leeds
Clearly the standout game of the week and whilst last week’s standout saw Wigan run away with it as they punished Leigh, this one should be a lot closer. Home advantage is mainly what I’m basing this pick on, as well as a slight desire to see Trinity continue to ruffle feathers among the big boys.
SB: Wakefield 14-30 Leeds
The scoreline looks worse on paper, but I expect it to be a hugely tense affair, before Leeds grab a couple of late tries to remain as the competition’s frontrunners.
Huddersfield Giants v Catalans Dragons – Saturday, 8th August @ 2:00 pm
PS: Huddersfield 20-10 Catalans
The visitors look like a team waiting for the season to end and a third successive win for Giants is on the cards.
SC: Huddersfield 30-22 Catalans
Said by the Giants to be the biggest announcement in their history at this game and I think they can back that up with a win against a Catalans side waiting for 2027.
SB: Huddersfield 28-16 Catalans
Jim Lenihan’s side will have over 6,000 fans backing them this week, and will be hoping to give them something to cheer about when they take on an inconsistent Dragons side.
Wigan Warriors v Toulouse Olympique – Saturday, 8th August @ 5:30 pm
PS: Wigan 50-6 Toulouse
Toulouse might make a fight of it if they get some key players back, but Wigan will be too strong.
SC: Wigan 60-10 Toulouse
Wigan watched Leeds put 46 on Toulouse last week and I think they may challenge themselves to beat that mark. That could lead to overplaying but the Warriors are too disciplined for that and could punish the Olympians.
SB: Wigan 62-6 Toulouse
With the French side still expected to be without key spine members, and Wigan’s need to increase their points difference, this could get ugly for Sylvain Houles’ side.
Bradford Bulls v Warrington Wolves – Saturday, 8th August @ 6:30 pm
PS: Bradford 12-30 Warrington
If Bulls weren’t running out of players this would be a potential shock, but Warrington will probably win with something to spare.
SC: Bradford 18-32 Warrington
Expect plenty of guts, grit and effort from the Bulls but their squad is probably just too depleted at the moment to spring an upset.
SB: Bradford 10-30 Warrington
The spirit and fight will be there from Bradford, but Warrington should have far too much talent on the field to avoid a slip-up.
Predictions Leaderboard:
T1st: Peter Smith – 119 (+5)
T1st: Sam Cook – 119 (+7)
3rd: Sam Brocksom – 109 (+4)
