Another week of Super League action is upon us, and it’s getting tasty at both ends of the table with Wigan Warriors jumping into second last week, the relegation race heating up massively and Leeds Rhinos failing to capitalise against an injury struck St Helens.
In review the week saw the relegation fight go up another gear as Wakefield pulled level on points with bitter rivals Castleford Tigers following a massive win against Warrington Wolves. Turning our attention to the top of the table, St Helens edged a tense game against Leeds Rhinos and Wigan leapfrogged the Leopards as they claimed bragging rights in the ‘Battle of the Borough’. Huddersfield also got one over Hull FC to carry on their impressive form of late, whilst Hull KR and Catalans put up high-scoring wins against Cas and Salford.
But how will this week play out? Here are our predictions:
Friday 4th August
Castleford Tigers 8-24 Huddersfield Giants
This could be another tough week at the Jungle for the Fords. They have been in rotten form of late, losing their last four matches. On the other hand, their opponents Huddersfield have turned a corner in recent weeks. Ian Watson’s side come to Wheldon Road off the back of three straight wins, including a famous result in Perpignan against Catalans.
Warrington Wolves 18-42 Catalans Dragons
Warrington welcome table toppers Catalans Dragons to the Halliwell Jones on Friday, in their first game since Daryl Powell’s departure, however it has the potential to be another gloomy night for the Wolves. They are winless in their last six games, including two loses to bottom sides Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers. The return of Thomas Mikaele could provide a boost, however it will be a tough ask against the in-form Dragons. Steve McNamara’s men travel to the Wire in great form. They dispatched Salford with ease last time out, and could repeat this feat on Friday.
Wigan Warriors 36-12 Hull Kingston Rovers
It’s a repeat of the Challenge Cup semi-final, and the Cherry and Whites will be out for revenge against the Robins. Wigan put Leigh to the sword last time out in the ‘Battle of the Borough’, and will see the young squad Willie Peters has named and see it as the perfect opportunity to get one back following their heartbreak at Headingley. It will be a good experience for the young KR side, who name six debutants, however it will be one step too far to beat second placed Wigan.
Sunday 6th August
Hull FC 24-30 Wakefield Trinity
This could shake the foundations of the league, but Wakefield could do something special on Sunday afternoon. They have been rooted to the bottom of the table all season, but they come into the clash against Hull FC in brilliant form. They have seen off Warrington, Leeds Rhinos, Salford and Wigan Warriors in recent weeks. Luke Gale has been influential in his limited appearances since his move from Keighley, but he could be the difference between the sides on Sunday. Hull FC have got results recently, but the defeat against Huddersfield proved there are still weaknesses in their side, which the Trin could expose.
Leeds Rhinos 24-18 Leigh Leopards
Leigh travel to Headingley in great form; but they will have one eye on Wembley next week. This is the perfect time for the Rhinos to get one over the red hot Leopards, and they should do it. Adrian Lam has a dilemma on his hands, does he rest his core players or does he play them. Leigh struggle with depth, as they lack an academy or reserve grade side but still have some options for rotation. It will be very interesting to see the side Lam picks, however if the Hull KR side is anything to go by, it won’t include the likes of Lachlan Lam or Edwin Ipape, which could give the Rhinos the upper hand in the contest.
Salford Red Devils 12-30 St Helens
Salford have been in rotten form, and the visit of the reigning champions will only add more misery for Paul Rowley’s side. The Red Devils are winless since early June, and that run included the demolition at Belle Vue. They are really struggling with injuries too and this could be a gimmie for the Saints. The World Champions have been a bit inconsistent this season, however they come into this clash off the back of a solid win over the Rhinos, and this should carry them through to a big win.
