Super League Predictions: Leeds to overcome Cas, Hull to shock Saints & Wigan to fall to first loss

With round eight of Super League upon us, there are some fascinating fixtures ready to be played out at the weekend. But, just who are the likely victors?

Salford v Warrington

The Red Devils came ever so close to a second win of the season last week, leading Wigan on two separate occasions before a late Jackson Hastings confirmed a 17-16 defeat. The Wolves have lost just once in their last eight games in all competitions, including a convincing 38-14 victory over Castleford last Saturday, which saw Gareth Widdop score a hat-trick.

Pauli Pauli is one of three changes made by Richard Marshall, after picking up a one-match ban for dangerous contact against Wigan. Danny Addy also drops out, as does the departing Elliot Kear. Oliver Roberts and Sam Luckley both return to the squad, while young hooker Connor Aspey is named for the first time this season. Joe Burgess is again in line to make his Salford debut. Warrington make one change, with Sitaleki Akauola returning in place of youngster Jacob Gannon. Despite the Red Devils almost beating Wigan, the Wolves are a team in great form.

Warrington by 16

Castleford v Leeds

The Tigers come into the game on the back of two straight defeats and will be keen to bounce back in front of their fans, who return to the ground for the second time this season. Despite welcoming back Zane Tetevano and Richie Myler against Hull FC last week, the Rhinos were handed a fifth league defeat of the season.

The Tigers welcome back Liam Watts from suspension, while Cheyse Blair and Jacques O’Neill also return after several weeks on the sidelines. They replace Niall Evalds (calf), Adam Milner and Lewis Bienek. Leeds are unchanged from last week, with no fresh injuries. Though Castleford are at home, they have a semi-final the week after and eyes are likely to wander.

Leeds by 10

St Helens v Hull FC

Saints saw their eight-game unbeaten run end last week, losing 20-16 to Catalans in Perpignan despite a late fightback. FC also fell victim to the Dragons two weeks ago with a 27-10 defeat, but bounced back on Sunday with a gutsy 18-12 win over Leeds.

Kristian Woolf makes one change, with Regan Grace dropping out with a head knock. He is replaced by young back rower Sam Royle, who is called up for the first time. FC also make one change, with Josh Bowden returning from an elbow injury which has kept him out of the Black and Whites’ last four games. It’s a really though one to call this, but Hull boss Brett Hodgson will have his side up for it.

Hull FC by 4

Catalans v Wigan

The Dragons notched a huge win last week, handing St Helens their first defeat since last October as they continue to be one of Super League’s most consistent sides in 2021. They face a similar challenge this week, with the Warriors now the only team who remain unbeaten in the league so far this season, with seven wins from seven matches.

Injuries to Fouad Yaha and Alrix Da Costa has forced Steve McNamara into changes, with highly-rated teenage halfback Cesar Rouge called into the squad for the first time. He is the only addition, with the Dragons naming 20 players as they await registration of an additional player.  There’s a blow for the Warriors, as Bevan French is ruled out with a torn hamstring, which could keep him out for up to four months depending on its severity. He is replaced by experienced halfback and captain Thomas Leuluai, who has recovered from a sternum problem. Catalans caused Saints all sorts of problems last week and will likely do the same for Wigan this week.

Catalans by 12

Hull KR v Leigh

Leigh are still winless going into this one whilst Hull KR suffered a humiliating defeat at Wakefield last weekend.

Team news to follow…

Hull KR by 12

Wakefield v Huddersfield

Wakefield finally got off the mark in Super League 2021 with victory over Hull KR last weekend whilst Huddersfield registered their third with a thrashing of Leigh.

Team news to follow…

Wakefield by 10