Super League Predictions Round Five: Leeds to pip Hull, Castleford to struggle & Warrington demolition

The next round of fixtures are up and in the sights of Super League sides with Leeds Rhinos set to kick off round five against Hull FC.

Meanwhile, Toulouse Olympique travel to Wakefield Trinity on Friday as both teams aim for their first win of the 2022 campaign, with St Helens hosting Warrington Wolves on the same night.

Salford Red Devils too play Friday, with Hull KR coming to town before Castleford Tigers travel to Huddersfield Giants on Saturday afternoon.

Catalans Dragons and Wigan Warriors round off proceedings on Saturday night.

But, just how will he games go?

Leeds Rhinos vs Hull FC

Leeds and Hull had differing fortunes last week with the Rhinos finally getting their first win of the season against Wakefield, whilst Hull went down against Castleford. The Rhinos will be missing Harry Newman through injury as Kruise Leeming and Cameron Smith are banned. Tom Briscoe and Brad Dwyer are likely to start in place of Newman and Leeming. For Hull, meanwhile, they will be without the likes of Carlos Tuimavave, Josh Reynolds and Jordan Lane, though Joe Cator could make his first appearance of 2022. Leeds should get a lot of confidence from their win over Trinity whereas the Black and Whites might just fall short.

Leeds by 10

St Helens vs Warrington Wolves

The second live Sky Sports fixture of the week sees St Helens take on Warrington Wolves at the Totally Wicked Stadium. Still unbeaten, Saints really haven’t been troubled yet and Warrington don’t look like they could do much damage here either. The Wolves were second best in every department against Catalans last week, with head coach Daryl Powell confessing that the loss ‘had been coming’. Warrington will be without the suspended Josh Charnley and Matt Davis, whilst Konrad Hurrell will also miss out for Saints. There doesn’t seem to be anything to predict except a home win.

St Helens by 16

Wakefield Trinity vs Toulouse Olympique

One of the most interesting clashes so far in 2022 sees Wakefield host newly-promoted Toulouse. Neither side has a win to their name this season, but both have showed glimpses that they aren’t far off. Trinity pushed Hull FC and Catalans all the way before being demolished by St Helens and Leeds. Toulouse, on the other hand, started poorly but almost got their first two points against Wigan last weekend, only to be denied by as last-minute drop-goal. This match is already being dubbed as a four-pointer, despite the new season being just four rounds in, but the French side look to have enough to get that first win.

Toulouse by 4

Salford Red Devils vs Hull KR

It’s a difficult one to call considering both teams were demolished last weekend by Huddersfield and St Helens respectively. Whilst Salford didn’t even scored a try, Rovers scored twice but both will be aiming for great improvement ahead of this clash on Friday night. The Red Devils will be without the injured Dan Sarginson and Tim Lafai with Greg Burke being stood down due to concussion protocol. Rovers have stood down Brad Takairangi following his driving offences with Jimmy Keinhorst expected to fill in. Home advantage could be key, but KR may just have enough.

Hull KR by 2

Huddersfield Giants vs Castleford Tigers

Both sides enjoyed big wins last weekend as Huddersfield thrashed Salford – keeping them tryless – whilst Castleford got their first win of the season against Hull FC. As such, this is a mouthwatering prospect at the John Smith’s Stadium. Huddersfield may welcome back Theo Fages after he missed the victory over the Red Devils with Danny Levi also back from suspension. Castleford, meanwhile, could have Jake Mamo back from concussion as well as Niall Evalds and Nathan Massey from hamstring injuries. It will be interesting to see if Lee Radford goes with the same side that more than did their bit against Hull. Could be too close to call, but home advantage may just swing it.

Huddersfield by 4

Catalans Dragons vs Wigan Warriors

Catalans’ victory over Warrington last week announced the French side to Super League 2022 after a slow start. That win, despite the entirety of their front-row being out, will give the Dragons huge confidence going into the fixture against unbeaten Wigan on Saturday night. The Warriors themselves needed a get-out-of-jail-free card from halfback Harry Smith in the dying moments to earn victory. Two French trips in two weeks could bear its weight on Wigan – though more than a week’s trip to France could help – and Catalans look to be in the mood. Gil Dudson will also return from suspension as Tommy Leuluai returns for Wigan, though the tie comes too early for Bevan French and Ethan Havard.

Catalans by 6