Super League Predictions Round Three: Castleford to struggle, Salford to stun Hull FC & Leeds to get first win

With another round of Super League upon us – beginning this Thursday night – predictions about how the 12 teams will fare have been coming thick and fast.

Leeds Rhinos host Catalans Dragons on Thursday night for the live Sky Sports game whilst Wigan Warriors take on Huddersfield Giants on the same night.

Friday sees St Helens host Wakefield Trinity whilst Hull KR take on Castleford Tigers in the televised game that night.

Hull FC do battle against Salford Red Devils on Saturday afternoon as Toulouse Olympique and Warrington Wolves round off the weekend’s action on the night. But, how will the games go?

Leeds Rhinos vs Catalans Dragons

Leesd are doing it incredibly tough at present with injuries and suspensions as David Fusitu’a, Richie Myler, Ash Handley, Harry Newman and Rhyse Martin miss out, whilst Catalans are without Dylan Napa, Gil Dudson, Julian Bousquet, Arthur Mourge and Mickael Goudemand. Leeds looked good in the opening 20 minutes against Wigan last week, whilst the Dragons almost cape a cropper against Wakefield on Saturday night. As the French side haven’t really got going yet, home advantage will prove key – as will the form of Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer in the halves.

Leeds by 10

Wigan Warriors vs Huddersfield Giants

Apart from St Helens, Wigan and Huddersfield are two of the most in-form sides in Super League and both boast perfect records so far in 2022. With Wigan’s livewire fullback Jai Field excelling, the danger from anywhere on the field is real for the Warriors’ opponents – something which will be made harder for the Giants with the absence of Theo Fages and Danny Levi who have been two of Huddersfield’s most influential players. Huddersfield do, however, welcome back Will Pryce, but the game comes too soon for the returning Bevan French. Wigan should still be too strong, though.

Wigan by 8

St Helens vs Wakefield Trinity

Whilst St Helens possess a 100% win record, Wakefield have a 100% loss record. That being said, Trinity were more than competitive in their two losses against Hull FC and Catalans Dragons, though to contend with Saints’ runaway start to the season they will need a lot more. Saints remain without Regan Grace, with Will Hopoate touch-and-go. Wakefield boss Willie Poching will make a late decision on Jacob Miller after the halfback suffered an injury in Trinity’s loss to Hull FC. Reece Lyne (banned) and Bill Tupou (injury) remain out.

St Helens by 20

Hull KR vs Castleford Tigers

With both sides needing a result to earn their first wins of the season, this battle at Craven Park has a more charged atmosphere than normal surrounding it. Whilst Hull KR have lost to Wigan Warriors and Huddersfield Giants, Castleford have succumbed to Salford Red Devils and Warrington Wolves. And, the Tigers have a number of problems on the injury front, too, with Jake Mamo and Kenny Edwards ruled out and George Lawler suspended. The Robins don’t have it much better with Will Dagger and Lachlan Coote both absent as youngster Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e could perhaps make his Rovers debut. It’s a difficult one to call here, but KR might just scrape it.

Hull KR by 6

Hull FC vs Salford Red Devils

Salford remain one of four Super League sides still unbeaten in the competition, and they will need to travel to the MKM Stadium in full spirit following two emphatic wins over Castleford Tigers and Toulouse Olympique. Hull FC, on the other hand, have struggled so far in 2022, narrowly beating Wakefield Trinity and then going down to a heavy defeat against St Helens. The Black and Whites will be without Luke Gale following his lengthy ban, but they will have Jake Connor back after the end of his suspension. Salford only have long-term absentees Harvey Livett and Kallum Watkins out. Salford to make it three from three.

Salford by 4

Toulouse Olympique vs Warrington Wolves

It’s been tough going for Toulouse Olympique since their inception in Super League. With two heavy defeats in a row, to Huddersfield Giants and Salford Red Devils respectively, the French side sits at the bottom of the competition. Warrington, meanwhile, are the fourth unbeaten side in the top flight following victories over Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers. Daryl Clark will be back for the visitors following concussion whilst Oliver Holmes will be sitting out the final game of his suspension. Joseph Paulo has been banned for two games with Toulouse still without the likes of Latrell Schaumkel and Mathieu Jussaume. There can only be one winner.

Warrington by 30