After a week of Challenge Cup action and predictions, we’re back with our Super League picks for round five of the competition.
Looking back at last week and Wakefield Trinity’s win over Leeds Rhinos caught many by surprise with a clean sweep of predictions for Brad Arthur’s side, who crash out at this stage once again.
Super League returns tonight with top of the table Wigan Warriors hosting York Knights before a slate of three fixtures on Friday night. Toulouse host St Helens in an earlier kick-off, Bradford take on Huddersfield whilst Wakefield host Leigh in perhaps the game of the round.
Saturday sees Warrington Wolves host Castleford Tigers, a game that is live on the BBC, before Hull KR travel to face Catalans in the evening. Leeds Rhinos host Hull FC on Sunday to round the action off in another intriguing match-up.
Below are all our picks for the round, as well as an update on the predictions leaderboard.
Super League round five predictions
Wigan Warriors v York Knights – Thursday 19th March – 8pm
Will Jackson: Wigan 34-8 York
I really like what York have been doing this season but with some key men missing, I’d expect Wigan to be far too strong for them on the night.
Sam Cook: Wigan 28-10 York
If York had captain Liam Harris then I’d have this a lot closer but he’s out with a hamstring injury and Wigan are just so good at the moment.
Sam Brocksom: Wigan 36-4 York
The Knights are missing a few key players, and whilst their effort will no doubt be there, the league leaders look to be far too strong.
Toulouse Olympique v St Helens – Friday 20th March – 6pm
WJ: Toulouse 10-22 St Helens
I don’t believe St Helens aren’t firing on all cylinders just yet, but I’d expect them to have more than enough to beat Toulouse in France on Friday night. Toulouse will be the fresher of the two sides having had last weekend off, but I think the talent Saints possess in attack and their defensive determination will see them through.
SC: Toulouse 14-18 St Helens
This is definitely a potential banana skin for Saints who are without a host of star players and are at a massive rest disadvantage, however, they’re starting to play Paul Rowley’s way and they’re doing so with grit. For me, that will be enough for a narrow win.
SB: Toulouse 18-22 St Helens
TO being at home will really help them in this tie, and whilst they have more than enough strength to get the win, I think Paul Rowley’s side have just enough to get the two points.
Bradford Bulls v Huddersfield Giants – Friday 20th March – 8pm
WJ: Bradford 24-18 Huddersfield
Huddersfield have been boosted by three young Leeds stars and they’ll be better for it, but beating Bradford at Odsal is easier said than done. I expect it to be a close game but the Bulls will edge it by a score.
SC: Bradford 28-12 Huddersfield
Huddersfield have added in a few loan players but their squad is shot to bits and Bradford are a very well-coached side who should have plenty here.
SB: Bradford 26-10 Huddersfield
Bulls being back at Odsal gives them a real advantage, and despite both sides being injury-hit, I still think Bradford secure a comfortable win.
Wakefield Trinity v Leigh Leopards – Friday 20th March – 8pm
WJ: Wakefield 18-14 Leigh
Wakefield look as though they’re just starting to find their rhythm, while Leigh’s injuries are continuing to pile up. For what it’s worth, I expect the Leopards to put up a fight, but I’m backing the West Yorkshire side for this one.
SC: Wakefield 24-16 Leigh
As much of a fan as I am of Adrian Lam and how he coaches, I think the injury record is mounting too high for Leigh to overcome a Wakefield side who will be buoyed by last week’s Challenge Cup win and, crucially, are at home.
SB: Wakefield 18-8 Leigh
Fresh off their Cup win over Leeds, Trinity will be full of confidence, and that should carry over into a victory over the Leopards.
Warrington Wolves v Castleford Tigers – Saturday 21st March – 3pm
WJ: Warrington 40-22 Castleford
Warrington have shown they are capable of racking up points this season but they’re not exactly miserly when it comes to shipping points either. Castleford had St Helens on the ropes for a period last weekend and I’d expect them to get points on the board but Warrington will have too much.
SC: Warrington 30-14 Castleford
In previous years, this is a game that I’d have Warrington to lose unexpectedly but I think the addition of Steve McNamara has been massive. They’re without Cai Taylor-Wray and suffered injuries to the pack in the Challenge Cup, but I still think they have enough.
SB: Warrington 38-14 Castleford
Warrington like to score points, but can’t seem to stop them either, so whilst I can see them racking up a hefty win, I doubt that Castleford will remain scoreless.
Catalans Dragons v Hull KR – Saturday 21st March – 5:30 pm
WJ: Catalans 10-32 Hull KR
Are Rovers firing on all cylinders just yet? I’m not sure. With all due respect to Huddersfield, they’re not the greatest yardstick right now and it’s hard to know what to expect from KR in the south of France. Having said that, I firmly believe Willie Peters’ side will have enough to see off Catalans, who I have been less than impressed by.
SC: Catalans 18-26 Hull KR
Not a historically happy hunting ground for Hull KR but that’s turned around under Willie Peters and it’s not time to see if their season is turned around and back on track. Two comfortable wins over an injured Huddersfield mean little but this stiffer test could be telling and I’ll favour them to get the win.
SB: Catalans 18-30 Hull KR
If KR are really going to put their Vegas defeat to bed, they need a statement win, and travelling to Catalans and getting the victory would certainly do that.
Hull FC v Leeds Rhinos – Sunday 22nd March – 3pm
WJ: Hull FC 4-38 Leeds
Hull are in a hole right now. Yes, they’re missing key men but they haven’t adapted to the new ruck interpretations and they seem to lack any real plan with the ball in hand. I could see them getting beat heavily by a Leeds side that has a point to prove after losing in the cup to Wakefield.
SC: Hull FC 12-24 Leeds Rhinos
This game is probably just a race to 20 points, which Hull FC haven’t hit in their last four games and that ailing attack gives me the faith to back Leeds, whose victory could be even wider if Brodie Croft is back.
SB: Hull FC 10-36 Leeds
Brad Arthur will have been fuming with the Rhinos’ effort against Wakefield, and will want a strong performance to get back on the horse – something I expect them to do.
Predictions Leaderboard
1st: Will Jackson – 26
2nd: Sam Cook – 25
3rd: Sam Brocksom – 23
Hull FC under pressure, Challenge Cup reaction and shock Super League predictions – click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
