The season began last week and if round one is to go by then the major Super League predictions should be to expect cards and lots of them.
Across the six Super League matches there was a total of 13 cards with nine yellows shown and four reds, a trend that will continue as players learn to adapt to the new stricter rules this season.
This week there are only five games with Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards not playing on account of Wigan taking on Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge.
Hull KR once again opens the week up when they host Leeds Rhinos on Thursday before Super League returns to the capital as London Broncos host Catalans on Friday night.
Warrington Wolves also play on Friday as they host Hull FC before a weekend slate of Huddersfield and St Helens, and Salford taking on Castleford.
Here are the Super League predictions for Round Two.
Hull KR vs Leeds Rhinos
Hull KR beat Leeds Rhinos last season thanks to a Brad Schneider drop goal in golden point extra time. – Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 14/07/2023 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League Round 19 – Leeds Rhinos v Hull KR – Headingley Stadium, Leeds, England – Hull KR coach Willie Peters congratulates Brad Schneider after his side s Golden Point victory over Leeds. Leeds Headingley Stadium England Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxAllanxMcKenzie/SWpix.comx SWP-2142-0062
Hull KR got Super League underway last Thursday with a 22-0 win over rivals Hull FC, whereas the Rhinos edged out Salford Red Devils in a game that was closer than many expected.
These sides faced off in a pre-season clash just over two weeks ago and Leeds took the bragging rights that day with a 26-18 win, but with KR back at Craven Park they’re favourites to win.
Rovers did the double over the Rhinos in 2023 with 20-12 and 19-18 (AET) victories so expect another narrow victory.
Verdict: Leeds Rhinos 24-20
L0ndon Broncos vs Catalans Dragons
It was a reality check for London Broncos last week and round two could be another tough test. – Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com – 16/02/2024 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League: Round 1 – St Helens v London Broncos – Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens, England – Londons Dean Parata Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxAlexxWhitehead/SWpix.comx SWP-2369-0030
London marked their return to Super League with a stiff test against St Helens which they lost 40-4 and round two isn’t much easier as they host Grand Finalists Catalans Dragons.
The Dragons managed to come from behind to defeat Warrington Wolves, even overcoming a man disadvantage for 30 minutes of the clash after Micky McIlorum’s red card.
Catalans may be without some stars through suspension but they’d be expected to put this plucky London side to the sword.
Verdict: London Broncos 12-32 Catalans Dragons
Warrington Wolves vs Hull FC
Hull FC will have a number of players suspended including Franklin Pele. – Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com – 15/02/2024 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League – Hull FC v Hull KR – MKM Stadium, Kingston upon Hull, England – Referee Liam Moore showing Hull FC s Franklin Pele the red card Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxOllyxHassell/SWpix.comx SWP-2364-0030
This match sees two losing sides face off with each other but based on round one there could be a clear difference in levels between the sides.
Warrington did fall to defeat against Catalans on their travels in France but for Sam Burgess’ first game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium there are high expectations.
For Hull FC though it looks like it could be a long season and with a number of players facing bans then they could be in for a very long night.
Verdict: Warrington Wolves 28-10 Hull FC
Huddersfield Giants vs St Helens
Former St Helens man Adam Swift impressed for Huddersfield Giants in pre-season. – Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
Ian Watson’s side were one of the upset winners in round one as they defeated Leigh Leopards 16-8 in a tight contest at the Leigh Sports Village, whereas St Helens ran out as easy victors over London Broncos scoring eight tries.
This will be far tougher for Paul Wellens side but they’ve had plenty of success against the Giants of late with eight consecutive wins.
The Giants could keep it close early on especially if new signing Adam Swift fires but Saints know how to wear teams down and they might run away with it.
Verdict: Huddersfield Giants 10-26 St Helens
Salford Red Devils vs Castleford Tigers
Liam Watts was sent his marching orders as Castleford Tigers hosted Wigan Warriors in the opening round of Super League. – Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxAllanxMcKenzie/SWpix.comx SWP-2371-0014
Possibly the most interesting game for the neutral as two losing sides face off against each other, but both teams performed better than expected.
That might be strange to say for Castleford Tigers are they lost 32-4 to Wigan Warriors but until the controversial Liam Watts red card, the Tigers were well in the game.
As for Salford and they could have caused the upset against Leeds Rhinos so this might be a tight affair but with fears Ryan Brierley could be suspended then the visitors might edge it in what is the toughest of the round two Super League predictions.
Verdict: Salford Red Devils 18-22 Castleford Tigers
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