Leeds Rhinos vs Widnes Vikings (Fri, 8:00pm)
Leeds’ losing run came to end with a 20-20 draw with Wakefield last week, but only wins will do now if Kevin Sinfield wants to avoid a Qualifiers campaign.
After 14 consecutive defeats confidence is at an all-time low at Widnes and Francis Cummins says that the “tension” in the players is a problem, but if they’re a nervous wreck when there’s nothing at stake imagine what the Qualifiers will be like!
Widnes actually beat Leeds back in February, but boy does that feel a long time ago now. Leeds simply must win and, although they are really lacking in the creative department, they will.
Prediction: Leeds Rhinos 24-6 Widnes Vikings
Catalans Dragons vs Salford Red Devils (Sat, 5:00pm)
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Steve McNamara has led a remarkable turn in fortune for Catalans after their early season struggle, and with Josh Drinkwater pulling the strings they are capable of challenging anyone home or away.
They haven’t lost at home since April and trounced Castleford there last time, so a Salford side already consigned to the Qualifiers won’t be fancying their chances.
A win seals safety for the Dragons and getting that shouldn’t be a problem.
Prediction: Catalans Dragons 42-12 Salford Red Devils
Wakefield Trinity vs Hull FC (Sun, 3:00pm)
Wakefield are another side needing just one win to confirm their safety, but they’ve picked up just one point in the last three games to see themselves fall back into the scrap.
They were solid but not spectacular in the draw at Headingley, and they will need a little more on Sunday even against a Hull FC side who have been really poor in the last month and won just one of their last four.
The injury to Jake Connor might be the final nail in the coffin for their top four hopes and there is a risk that their season will peter out. At their best Trinity are a top side and they can add to Hull’s misery.
Prediction: Wakefield Trinity 24-18 Hull FC
