SUPER LEAGUE PREDICTIONS | Round 12
There are just the four games this week with Challenge Cup action as well, but there’s still some very tasty clashes in Super League…
Hull FC vs Leeds Rhinos (Thu, 7:45pm)
Leeds have a remarkable recent record against Hull, winning the last ten Super League meetings including the one back in March.
However they looked tired towards the end of last week’s defeat to Wigan and have hardly been at their best in recent weeks with just two wins from the last five.
The same could be said of Hull this season but their form has picked up in recent weeks, and they will be confident at the KCOM having won every home game so far this season.
Games between the two are often tight affairs and this one should be no different, with Hull just shading it thanks to home advantage.
Prediction: Hull FC 24-22 Leeds
Wigan Warriors vs Castleford Tigers (Fri, 7:45pm)
The game between the two sides earlier in the side was postponed, taking away the chance to see an intriguing clash between two of the top contenders in Super League.
Cas won with rather more comfort than Wigan did last week, but following the trip to Catalans the Warriors displayed that comeback quality again which might come in handy on Friday.
After a number of narrow wins, the Tigers have racked up the points in their last two games and look to be slowly building back up to the kind of side we saw last season.
This could be a very entertaining game, with the chance for either side to lay down a marker. After being beaten comfortably by Castleford three times last season, Wigan look far more ruthless this year and should have the edge.
Prediction: Wigan 28-18 Castleford
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Salford Red Devils vs Wakefield Trinity (Fri, 8:00pm)
The impressive win over St Helens on Sunday has put Wakefield’s season back on track following five straight defeats, while Salford look a good bet for the top eight after their win at Huddersfield.
Wakefield games tend to be tight, none more so than the reverse back in March when they relied on Gareth O’Brien’s missed conversion after the siren to hang on to victory.
Salford were impressive against Huddersfield with Robert Lui at his best, but the reliance on him is an issue with the squad lacking in many other areas, compared to a Trinity line-up that is strong throughout.
It could be a tough, low scoring game but Wakefield will have too much quality for the Red Devils and pick up the win.
Prediction: Salford 6-16 Wakefield
St Helens vs Huddersfield Giants (Fri, 8:00pm)
Saints suffered a surprise loss last time out and will be determined to show that that narrow defeat was just a blip and get back to winning ways.
Meanwhile, Huddersfield look a long way short in most areas and it would take a quite incredible effort from Chris Thorman’s side to end their six match winless run at St Helens of all places.
In the reverse at Huddersfield in February the game was close for long periods, but times have certainly changed for the Giants and it is unlikely that a depleted squad, short of confidence, will be able to do the same again.
Even with the absence of Mark Percival, who has a one match suspension for dissent at Wakefield, Saints will be far too strong for the Giants and should have a comfortable evening.
Prediction: St Helens 52-6 Huddersfield
