Super League is finally back and it’s time for our writers to predict the results for each of the Round One games including Leigh Leopards versus Leeds Rhinos.
That clash is one of the standout fixtures, in fact it’s the only game in the opening round of 2026 between two clubs who both made the play-offs in 2025.
Brad Arthur’s side will travel to the Leigh Sports Village with both sides banged up already after some bad injury luck in pre-season. That will be one of three games on Friday night along with Catalans Dragons versus Huddersfield Giants and a mouthwatering clash between Warrington Wolves and St Helens.
Super League actually kicks off the night before with champions Hull KR facing York Knights on the road, whilst Rovers’ rivals Hull FC play on Saturday at home to new boys Bradford Bulls.
Fellow new boys Toulouse Olympique are in action on Sunday evening as they travel to Wakefield Trinity with the weekend’s fixtures rounded out by Wigan Warriors travelling to face Castleford Tigers on Sunday.
Every week, the Serious About Rugby League writers will predict the scores of every Super League game with one point for the correct result and three points for the correct score. Here are our week one predictions.
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Super League Round One predictions
York Knights v Hull KR – 8 pm, Thursday, 12th February
Will Jackson: York 6-40 Hull KR
I do think York will pick up points this season, but not on Thursday night. Hull KR will be far too strong and I think they could rack up quite a healthy score in front of a sell out crowd.
Sam Brocksom: York 8-32 Hull KR
The Knights need little motivation as they head into their first ever Super League game, and whilst they will match KR in the first half, I think the Robins will pull away in the second 40.
Sam Cook: York 4-42 Hull KR
The champions will want to make a mark to start their season and prepare for the World Club Challenge and a convincing win is to be expected against a promoted club.
Catalans Dragons v Huddersfield Giants – 6 pm, Friday, 13th February
WJ: Catalans 18-10 Huddersfield
It’s a big year for Catalans and Joel Tomkins has a lot of new faces to work with in the south of France. I think it will take time to click but I still fancy them to see off the Giants.
SB: Catalans 28-14 Huddersfield
Les Dracs have some top quality attacking players in their side this year, and it will be interesting to see how they fare. An opening round victory over the Giants seems the likely scenario here.
SC: Catalans 22-16 Huddersfield
Two teams who will be much better than in 2025 but the home advantage of Catalans should see them through, especially in light of the injury news that Adam Clune will miss out.
Leigh Leopards v Leeds Rhinos – 8 pm, Friday, 13th February
WJ: Leigh 20-12 Leeds
Ordinarily I would have picked Leeds to get the opening day win at Leigh but the Rhinos’ injuries might just be the deciding factor for me.
SB: Leigh 18-22 Leeds
This game is so hard to call, and either side could take the two points, but after Leeds’ battle to defeat Widnes last week, they have more recent familiarity with grinding out a tough victory.
SC: Leigh 16-10 Leeds
Leigh started 2025 with a 1-0 win over Wigan and this game could have similar intensity about it. Leeds’ injury issues are significant and with no Jake Connor, Mikolaj Oledzki, Keenan Palasia or Ash Handley, Leigh should have enough.
Warrington Wolves v St Helens – 8 pm, Friday, 13th February
WJ: Warrington 18-16 St Helens
Paul Rowley will be desperate to get the win on his first Super League game in charge of St Helens but I expect to see a Warrington side with the bit between their teeth on Friday night. I think St Helens will have a better season overall, but I’m just tipping Wire to edge this one.
SB: Warrington 16-28 St Helens
Saints will want to replicate their attacking masterclass they put on against Workington, and whilst Wire will be a lot more difficult, they will be expected to earn the two points here.
SC: Warrington 10-22 St Helens
Wire have had the better of St Helens the last seven times but this is a new Saints team under Paul Rowley. Even without captain Matty Lees, the Saints should have enough to lay down a marker.
Hull FC v Bradford Bulls – 5:30 pm, Saturday, 14th February
WJ: Hull FC 30-16 Bradford
Hull really should be making short work of Bradford this weekend and I think their power through the middle and experience might just be the difference at the MKM Stadium.
SB: Hull FC 24-12 Bradford
Whilst I do think that FC will outclass the Bulls, recent seasons have shown they don’t tend to blow opponents away, a with it being R1, I can see a close-ish but comprehensive victory on the cards.
SC: Hull FC 32-10 Bradford
The Bulls made hard work of an injury-plagued London that ended the match with 12 players. They’ll throw shape and create a bit but John Cartwright’s side look genuine play-off hopes this year.
Wakefield Trinity v Toulouse Olympique – 8 pm, Saturday, 14th February
WJ: Wakefield 28-12 Toulouse
I don’t expect Toulouse to win many this season but I think they’ll be blown away very often, either. Don’t be surprised if Wakefield are made to work hard for the opening round points.
SB: Wakefield 42-4 Toulouse
The last time these two met was the 2024 Championship Grand Final, and whilst Trinity won that day, I expect Saturday’s game to be a lot more one-sided.
SC: Wakefield 34-6 Toulouse
Toulouse not playing in the Challenge Cup leaves them at a clear disadvantage in terms of match fitness, as does their half cap and messy off-season. By contrast, Wakefield are established in Super League and well-prepared so they could put on a show.
Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors – 3 pm, Sunday, 15th February
WJ: Castleford 8-34 Wigan
Castleford have signed plenty of exciting backs but I think they’ll be second best by some distance in the pack this weekend.
SB: Castleford 10-30 Wigan
Ryan Carr couldn’t have been handed a tougher first round opponent, and given the Warriors talent and physicality, I can’t see the new boss picking up points on Sunday.
SC: Castleford 0-36 Wigan
Wigan look like a side on a mission in 2026 and against a club they beat 62-6 in September, I expect nothing more than a comfortable Wigan win.
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