Rivals Round is here, and if our pundits’ predictions are anything to go by, the Easter weekend will see plenty of entertainment across all of Super League.
Last week saw editor Will Jackson build a healthy lead after he secured five points, whilst the two Sam’s scored just a measly one point…
On paper, this week’s fixtures and the injuries across the different clubs suggest that these ties are slightly easier to predict, however form goes out of the window in derby matches and every side will be hoping the claim the first victory in what is the beginning of a three-match series between each ‘rival’ across the year.
Below are all our picks for the round, as well as an update on the predictions leaderboard.
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Super League Rivals Round predictions
Hull KR v Hull FC – Friday April 3 – 12:30pm
Will Jackson: Hull KR 30-16 Hull FC
Hull FC are the form team heading into this one, having picked up two wins on the spin, but I just find it hard to look beyond Rovers here, especially with home advantage. They were excellent on Friday night and I’d back them to build on that showing.
Sam Cook: Hull KR 26-14 Hull FC
I think this is a game that will be won by who settles quickest, especially if it is Hull KR. The Black and Whites came close to folding a 22-0 lead last week but ultimately, they’ve picked up two wins over sides that the Robins lost to but at Craven Park, I struggle to see them winning.
Sam Brocksom: Hull KR 20-8 Hull FC
With two wins on the spin, FC travel to Craven Park in full confidence however KR are so dominant at home, I can’t see them getting a third consecutive two points this week.
St Helens v Wigan Warriors – Friday April 3 – 3pm
WJ: St Helens 16-24 Wigan
St Helens’ lack of presence through the middle on Friday was pretty alarming and like KR, that is where Wigan excel. Paul Rowley’s side play an expansive brand and get the ball to the danger men on the edges, but this game will be won and loss through the middle, for me.
SC: St Helens 8-28 Wigan
Both teams will be stinging from last week but I just think Saints will struggle to bounce back as their performances are largely down the number of players they’re missing. Wigan are of course without Field, French and Jake Wardle but their pack is relatively healthy and that’s where this game looks set to be won.
SB: St Helens 14-30 Wigan
A depleted Saints side won’t want to put on a poor performance in a home derby match, but their bodies unavailable to them suggest Wigan will be too strong – particularly when that Wigan side will be keen to respond after last week’s shock defeat
Bradford Bulls v Leeds Rhinos – Friday April 3 – 8pm
WJ: Bradford 24-25 Leeds
I expect both sides to score plenty of points in this one and I can also see Bradford using Odsal to their advantage. However, I’m still backing Leeds for the win in this one, with a drop goal, be it in golden point or regulation time, being the difference.
SC: Bradford 38-34 Leeds
I expect this to be high-scoring and I’m backing the Bulls for the upset based mainly on this game being at Odsal. Bradford will need their right edge to be far sharper than last week when Mapapalangi and Qareqare tore them apart, and this week it’s Sivo time. However, their home form is strong and Leeds have a far shorter turnaround for this one.
SB: Bradford 18-26 LeedsÂ
I think this game could be close, and Bradford will be in a position to win for most of the game, but Leeds just have that little more experience in big matches that should see them to victory.
Huddersfield Giants v York Knights – Saturday April 4 – 3pm
WJ: Huddersfield 22-10 York
Huddersfield found their feet against Wigan and with their spine at full strength once more, I think they could have enough to pick up a second straight win.
SC: Huddersfield 28-18 York
Huddersfield are by no means over their injury crisis but their spine being back is massive and with York seeing full-back Toa Mata’afa suffer injury last week, I fear they could struggle.
SB: Huddersfield 24-18 YorkÂ
Had York not picked up an injury to Toa Mata’afa last week, I’d have probably backed them. But, with Liam Harris out and Ben Jones-Bishop and Danny Richardson in doubt, I think the Giants have enough to earn their second win in a row.
Warrington Wolves v Leigh Leopards – Saturday April 4 – 3pm
WJ: Warrington 28-18 Leigh
Leigh could have some players returning to action but I just think Warrington will be too strong on the day. I’m backing the Wolves to bounce back from their defeat at Leeds.
SC: Warrington 22-18 Leigh
These sides will face off a week later in the cup which makes for an interesting dynamic, particularly as they’ll play at Magic and played in pre-season as well. Warrington will learn from the loss to Leeds and I think they’ll marginally have enough here but could fall in the cup a week later.
SB: Warrington 36-20 LeighÂ
After just scraping through against Toulouse last week, I think Warrington will prove too tough a test for Adrian Lam’s injury-hit Leopards.
Catalans Dragons v Toulouse Olympique – Saturday April 4 – 7pm
WJ: Catalans 30-10 Toulouse
We saw the best and worst of Catalans on Sunday at Hull FC but if they turn up this week, which they should, they’ll make short work of Toulouse in my opinion.
SC: Catalans 24-22 Toulouse
Two really unpredictable teams who both mounted but ultimately fell short with second-half comebacks in round six. Catalans could be light in their pack with injuries but the tide seems to be turning against the promoted teams after quick starts so I’ll just back the Dragons.
SB: Catalans 40-18 Toulouse
Despite their best efforts to come back against Leigh, I think Toulouse are starting to fall away from the other two promoted sides, and if they aren’t at their best could fall to a strong defeat here
Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity – Sunday April 5 – 3pm
WJ: Castleford 14-20 Wakefield
Wakefield don’t score too many points but they’re on a roll now, having won their last four games in all competitions and I’m yet to see anything to convince me that Castleford can back last week’s win up with a repeat performance.
SC: Castleford 22-20 Wakefield
Play like they did last week and Castleford win this comfortably though Trinity have managed to stick in games and grind out wins, which makes me think this will be a close one to round off Rivals Round. I’ll favour the Tigers to keep causing havoc on their right edge and nick this one late.
SB: Castleford 24-16 WakefieldÂ
The fact Castleford are at home gives them the edge for me. I expect a similar scoreline to the one that occurred in round 25 last season, with the Tigers taking the spoils again in what would be a huge achievement for Ryan Carr and his new side.
Predictions Leaderboard
1st: Will Jackson – 38
2nd: Sam Cook – 31
3rd: Sam Brocksom – 29
