We’re at the sharp end of the season now, where every point matters in Super League and that makes predictions all the tougher, especially in rivalry games between form sides such as Leigh Leopards against Wigan Warriors.
That’s certainly the game of the week in Super League round 21 but before diving into our predictions for that and the other six games, we need to look back upon last week’s picks as Sam Cook and Sam Brocksom both registered five correct results, with Catalans’ win over Toulouse not selected by anyone.
Onto this week’s games and the first sees Huddersfield host Hull FC with the Giants looking to back up last week’s win and draw their opponents into a scrap for who finishes at the foot of the table.
There are then three games on Friday night, including that Leigh and Wigan clash, with Hull KR hosting Bradford and Leeds welcoming Toulouse the other two games.
Castleford and Warrington kick Saturday afternoon off with the Tigers looking to bounce back from last week’s derby humiliation against Wakefield, who are in action in the late game away to Catalans. Sandwiched between those matches is Saints travelling to York in a match they must win to keep their play-off hopes alive.
Our picks for those seven games, as well as an updated leaderboard following last week’s results, can all be seen below.
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Super League Round 21 Predictions
Huddersfield Giants v Hull FC – Thursday 30th July @ 8:00 pm
Peter Smith: Huddersfield 18-24 Hull FC
Unlikely to be a classic.
Sam Cook: Huddersfield 20-16 Hull FC
As Pete says, it doesn’t scream classic but these are two desperate sides and that can make for entertainment. This could come down to the bounce of the ball but I’ll favour the home side, just.
Sam Brocksom: Huddersfield 14-18 Hull FC
Harsh on Huddersfield given they won last week, but this one will be a case of who falls over the line, rather than who wins
Hull KR v Bradford Bulls – Friday 31st July @ 8:00 pm
PS: Hull KR 32-12 Bradford
Bulls will have a dig, despite being low on troops, but the home side should have a bit too much for them as the game goes on.
SC: Hull KR 36-22 Bradford
Hull KR aren’t in particularly good form but they should be far too strong for an injury-hit Bradford.
SB: Hull KR 48-6 Bradford
The Robins will want to humiliate the Bulls on their return to Craven Park after a poor showing against Wakefield in their last home game.
Leeds Rhinos v Toulouse Olympique – Friday 31st July @ 8:00 pm
PS: Leeds 40-20 Toulouse
Injuries are beginning to bite Leeds, but Olly Ashall-Bott is a big loss for the French side and Rhinos should maintain their 100 per cent home record with room to spare.
SC: Leeds 58-10 Toulouse
Leeds started slow last week and Brad Arthur will be intent on fixing that up. If the Rhinos do that then they could run up a huge score at an Olly Ashall-Bott-less Toulouse.
SB: Leeds 50-0 Toulouse
Leeds got a response last week, but with their gap being reduced to two points, they will want to produce a statement win. With no Olly Ashall-Bott for Toulouse, things could get ugly.
Leigh Leopards v Wigan Warriors – Friday 31st July @ 8:00 pm
PS: Leigh 10-24 Wigan
Game of the weekend; Leigh are going well, but Wigan don’t look like slipping up any time soon.
SC: Leigh 26-34 Wigan
Bevan French is surely the difference maker here, especially when Leigh are missing plenty including the latest blow of losing Edwin Ipape.
SB: Leigh 28-24 Wigan
Going for a shock win for Leigh, though their form as of late would make them more than worthy winners against the Challenge Cup holders.
Castleford Tigers v Warrington Wolves – Saturday 1st August @ 3:00 pm
PS: Castleford 20-10 Warrington
Tigers have to be better than they were last week and if that’s the chase, they might catch Warrington napping.
SC: Castleford 20-24 Warrington
Castleford are so tough to predict. They shipped over 50 last week and conceded 72 to Wire earlier in the year but they owe their home fans something. It might not be a win but I think they’ll have a vastly improved performance.
SB: Castleford 14-30 Warrington
Inconsistency strikes again in the Tigers camp, and if Warrington perform for the full 80, they should avoid what could be a banana skin.
York Knights v St Helens – Saturday 1st August @ 5:30 pm
PS: York 24-20 St Helens
Saints are hot favourites, but Knights are capable of creating a shock on home turf.
SC: York 26-22 St Helens
York will be reeling after losing to Huddersfield last week and I think against a weakened Saints side, they could spring a surprise.
SB: York 18-32 St Helens
With KR expected to win, the pressure will be on Saints to match that and stay level on points with the Robins as they look to somehow sneak back into the top six.
Catalans Dragons v Wakefield Trinity – Saturday 1st August @ 8:00 pm
PS: Catalans 6-30 Wakefield
The conditions will be tough for Trinity, but they are playing too well to lose this one.
SC: Catalans 12-34 Wakefield
Wakefield have the best pack in Super League and I think they’ll run straight over the top of Catalans, who haven’t offered much confidence in recent weeks.
SB: Catalans 10-30 Wakefield
Trinity thumped the Dragons in the reverse fixture, and whilst it should be a more even game this time around, Trinity should still claim the two points.
Predictions Leaderboard:
1st: Peter Smith – 114 (+4)
2nd: Sam Cook – 112 (+5)
3rd: Sam Brocksom – 105 (+5)
