Super League is back, and that means a full slate of predictions, with tonight’s clash between Leeds Rhinos and St Helens one of several very intriguing games.
Before we dive into the other six match-ups, we need to look back at how we fared picking our Wembley winners last week, with Sam Brocksom nailing the winner of both the men’s and women’s finals, whilst also tipping Jack Farrimond to be the Lance Todd Trophy winner.
Back to the week at hand, Leeds kick it off hosting St Helens tonight before we have triple-headers on Friday and Saturday. Friday night sees promoted pair Bradford Bulls and York Knights face off, Hull FC travel to Warrington Wolves, and Castleford Tigers host Leigh Leopards in a battle of two sides picking up some form.
Saturday then sees a battle at the bottom as Huddersfield take on Toulouse, before Hull KR hope to bounce back from their Challenge Cup loss in a tough away test against Wakefield and Catalans and Wigan then face off in Paris.
Here is what we think will unfold over the coming days, with winning predictions worth one point and a perfect score worth three, as well as an updated leaderboard following last week’s results.
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Super League round 13 predictions
Leeds Rhinos v St Helens – Thursday, 4th June @ 8:00 pm
Peter Smith: Leeds 10- 18 St Helens
On form, Rhinos should win, but they usually don’t against Saints and haven’t beaten them at Headingley since 2017.
Sam Cook: Leeds 28-22 St Helens
Form points to Leeds, history at Headingley points to Saints, but the fact that the play-off clash here last year ended so dramatically ensures Leeds will have wanted this back for months, and I think they’ll get it. Just.
Sam Brocksom: Leeds 24-12 St Helens
With no Jackson Hastings and the Welsby-Sailor dilemma proving difficult, Leeds should be able to break their St Helens curse.
Bradford Bulls v York Knights – Friday, 5th June @ 8:00 pm
PS: Bradford 26-16 York
York will give it a good go, but they are struggling for troops and Bulls are tough to beat on their own patch.
SC: Bradford 36-20 York
I think this could be the game of the round for long periods because they’re two clubs who never give up and they can both play some entertaining stuff. Ultimately, I think York’s injury issues are just too much to overcome and the Bulls are four from six at Odsal.
SB: Bradford 20-24 York
The loss of Paul McShane is a blow, but I’m backing arguably a shock win, and York to claim the two points at Odsal.
Castleford Tigers v Leigh Leopards – Friday, 5th June @ 8:00 pm
PS: Castleford 14-22 Leigh
Tigers seem to have turned a corner after back-to-back wins and Leigh are missing some key players, but the visitors might just have the edge.
SC: Castleford 18-24 Leigh
Wheldon Road on an evening can be a difficult place, especially when confidence is high, but Leigh are a cut above. They’re without some key men, particularly in the outside backs where Castleford are strong, but I think they can win this through the middle.
SB: Castleford 16-30 Leigh
The Tigers have momentum on their side, whilst Leigh have turned their season around too. However, if both sides play at their best, Adrian Lam’s side should claim the win.
Warrington Wolves v Hull FC – Friday, 5th June @ 8:00 pm
PS: Warrington 40-6 Hull FC
Warrington have been good for most of this season so far and Hull haven’t so anything other than a big home win would be a surprise.
SC: Warrington 40-16 Hull FC
Hull FC have looked well off the pace recently and Warrington are a team in form who know how to pile the points on as well, and that could spell an ugly night for Andy Last and his side.
SB: Warrington 34-8 Hull FC
Sam Burgess’ men have a crucial fortnight coming up with games against Leeds and Saints. They will want to go into that game off the back of a strong performance.
Huddersfield Giants v Toulouse Olympique – Saturday, 6th June @ 3:00 pm
PS: Huddersfield 20-18 Toulouse
Giants were woeful last time out against Leeds, but new boss Jim Lenihan has had two weeks to work with his squad and playing at Dewsbury might suit them.
SC: Huddersfield 26-22 Toulouse
Many will overlook it given where these sides are placed but Huddersfield with a week off to get to grips with Jim Lenihan’s style, and Toulouse with their constant ability to perform well in the second-half could make this an interesting clash.
SB: Huddersfield 26-18 Toulouse
Had this game been played at the Accu Stadium, Toulouse may well have picked up a win. However, with the game moving to Dewsbury, a good home atmosphere should see Jim Lenihan earn his first win at the club.
Wakefield Trinity v Hull KR – Saturday, 6th June @ 4:30 pm
PS: Wakefield 30-12 Hull KR
It’s a tough one for the Robins a week after their Wembley defeat and a good – well rested – Wakefield side could prove too strong.
SC: Wakefield 26-18 Hull KR
Wakefield won this fixture last year and I’m tipping them to do the same this year with Hull KR still reeling from their Challenge Cup defeat and potentially a little light in the pack, especially if Jai Whitbread misses out again.
SB: Wakefield 30-16 Hull KR
A key game for both of these sides, more so Wakefield who have a great chance to take two points from a top four rival. They came up short against Leeds and Saints, but a home win over a Robins side fresh off a Cup Final defeat could be on the cards.
Catalans Dragons v Wigan Warriors – Saturday, 6th June @ 6:30 pm
PS: Catalans 24-20 Wigan
Playing in Paris may reduce Catalans’ home advantage, but post-Wembley celebrations will probably take their toll on Wigan.
SC: Catalans 20-32 Wigan
Whilst I’m tipping Hull KR to have a Challenge Cup hangover, I’m backing Wigan to travel and get the job done and it’s mainly because this is in Paris and not Perpignan. I think it would be a tougher task at the Stade Gilbert Brutus but I expect plenty of Wiganers to travel and help their side through.
SB: Catalans 24-16 Wigan
This game could go either way. Catalans will want to put on a show in Paris, whilst Wigan will need to quickly move on from their Challenge Cup success. However, with no Bevan French or Harry Smith, John Cartwright could be looking at back-to-back wins as the Dragons’ boss.
Predictions Leaderboard:
1st: Peter Smith– 72
2nd: Sam Brocksom – 71
3rd: Sam Cook – 70
