The predictions are in for Super League round 10, and after another hectic round of top-flight action, it’s time to see what our writers think will happen this week.
Last week saw Sam Cook take home the most points, scoring six, whilst Peter Smith and Sam Brocksom picked up four points each.
This week puts together two of the top three teams as Leeds Rhinos take on Wakefield Trinity, whilst Wigan Warriors look to avoid a fifth straight league defeat when they welcome Bradford Bulls.
Hull KR kick-off the weekend against Castleford Tigers, whilst Jack Welsby could return for St Helens when they take on a York Knights side who were only able to name 18 players in their initial squad.
Leigh Leopards travel to Catalans Dragons, whilst the final two games see Huddersfield Giants take on Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique travel to Hull FC.
Here is what we think will unfold over the weekend, as well as an updated leaderboard following last week’s results.
Super League round 10 predictions
Hull KR v Castleford Tigers – Thursday, April 30th – KO: 8:00pm
Peter Smith: Hull KR 40-12 Castleford
Cas have brought in reinforcements and the Robins might have a Cup semi-final on their minds, so could lightning strike twice, two weeks after Tigers’ famous win at Wigan Warriors? No.
Sam Cook: Hull KR 40-10 Castleford
The Tigers have brought in enforcements after their heavy defeat last Thursday but Rovers are on a roll and are tough to stop at Craven Park.
Sam Brocksom: Hull KR 36-14 Castleford
New faces will give Castleford confidence, but if they can’t get up for a performance in front of their own fans, they will certaintly struggle to perform in front of a hostile Craven Park crowd.
Leeds Rhinos v Wakefield Trinity – Friday, May 1st – KO: 8:00pm
PS: Leeds 24-18 Wakefield
Game of the weekend. Wakefield have won three of the sides’ last four meetings, but in-form Rhinos have home advantage and a full-fit squad so should just shade it.
SC: Leeds 22-18 Wakefield
A big game for both clubs but arguably more important for Leeds, who have already lost to Trin this season, and for whom the expectation is on. For that reason I see it being close and this could come down to goal-kicking.
SB: Leeds 30-22 Wakefield
The game of the round sees Brad Arthur’s side face somewhat of a bogey team in Wakefield, who beat Leeds at Headingley last year and knocked them out of the Cup back in March. That being said, I think Leeds take the win here.
St Helens v York Knights – Friday, May 1st – KO: 8:00pm
PS: St Helens 30-10 York
Despite their injuries, Saints should be too strong, though York are on a high after a win last week and won’t be a pushover.
SC: St Helens 34-10 York
Saints grinded it out against Wakefield last week to keep their unbeaten home run up and I expect an easier victory on Friday.
SB: St Helens 48-8 York
Regardless of if Welsby plays or not, I think the Red Vee will be far too strong and will put a big score on York’s depleted squad.
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Wigan Warriors v Bradford Bulls – Saturday, May 2nd – KO: 3:00pm
PS: Wigan 26-14 Bradford
On a run of four successive league defeats, with injuries to key players and a week out from a Challenge Cup semi-final, Wigan are vulnerable. Bulls, though, have their own problems and not enough depth to add to the hosts’ woes.
SC: Wigan 28-16 Bradford
Wigan are still without their starting halves but Bradford don’t even have their back-ups available in most of their backs. That said they showed against KR that they can get a foothold in games but it likely won’t be enough to beat Wigan.
SB: Wigan 22-6 Bradford
Respectfully to Bradford, if Wigan don’t end their losing streak here then big questions need to be asked. Bulls will be well up for it, but I think they come home empty handed.
Catalans Dragons v Leigh Leopards – Saturday, May 2nd – KO: 6:00pm (UK time)
PS: Catalans 20-16 Leigh
Leigh have found some form and Catalans are inconsistent, but home advantage could be the key factor in this one.
SC: Catalans 22-26 Leigh
Catalans are a different beast at home compared to away but Leigh are starting to find their feet this year, so I’ll just back the Leopards.
SB: Catalans 8-16 Leigh
Catalans have been very good at home this season, so this prediction could come back to haunt me, but if Leigh get bodies back as Adrian Lam has said they might, I think Leigh could get one over on the French side.
Huddersfield Giants v Warrington Wolves – Saturday, May 2nd- KO: 8:00pm
PS: Huddersfield 6-30 Warrington
Giants seemed to have turned a corner after back-to-back wins, but their form has dropped off again and – as long as next week’s semi-final isn’t too much of a distraction – on-song Warrington should win with something to spare.
SC: Huddersfield 16-28 Warrington
Warrington should have too much for Huddersfield despite the Giants now being relatively healthy after their torrid start to the season.
SB: Huddersfield 0-24 Warrington
The Giants have hit a stumbling block after winning two games on the spin under Liam Finn. An in-form Warrington awaits, and I think the Wolves will want a complete performance ahead of their Cup semi-final.
Hull FC v Toulouse Olympique – Sunday, May 3rd – KO: 8:00pm
PS: Hull FC 36-16 Toulouse
Hull aren’t pulling up trees, but they had a big win at Castleford last week and – even with their recent issues on and off the field – will be too good for a Toulouse side who conceded 38 points to York in their previous game.
SC: Hull FC 28-24 Toulouse
Hull will find it harder this week than they did last and expectations have understandably risen. Toulouse are on a seven-game slide and I expect it to continue in a tight game.
SB: Hull FC 32-10 Toulouse
Toulouse haven’t won in England since their round one upset over Wakefield, and after a hefty defeat to York last time out, I can’t see their fortunes changing.
Predictions Leaderboard
1st: Peter Smith– 55
2nd: Sam Cook – 49
3rd: Sam Brocksom – 44
