Salford Red Devils vs Leeds Rhinos (Fri, 8:00pm)
This one has nothing at stake but Leeds should take nothing for granted ahead of the Qualifiers. The Challenge Cup semi-final may be on their minds a little, but they rested players last year at this stage and got hammered by Wigan before losing to Hull FC in the cup anyway, and it looks like Kevin Sinfield will be wisely avoiding that approach as they look to build form.
As for Salford, they will be genuinely worried about their Super League status. Jackson Hastings will make his debut before the Qualifiers begin, but it remains to be seen whether that impressive signing will be enough for what is still a small squad.
Neither side has won a Super League match against a team other than Widnes since April, but the Rhinos should be able to carry the momentum from last week’s comprehensive victory to win here.
Prediction: Salford Red Devils 6-28 Leeds Rhinos
Wigan Warriors vs Catalans Dragons (Fri, 8:00pm)
Wigan lost their unbeaten home record last week and this time it’s the in-form Dragons who will roll up at the DW Stadium, on the back of a run that has seen them lose just once in the last 11 games in all competitions.
In the past two weeks the Warriors have desperately lacked creativity in attack and it’s a problem they will need to solve if they want to reach, never mind win, the Grand Final.
However, Catalans have freshened up their squad with some big names left out ahead of next week’s Challenge Cup semi-final, so this one is certainly Wigan’s to lose.
Prediction: Wigan Warriors 20-12 Catalans Dragons
Widnes Vikings vs Castleford Tigers (Sun, 3:00pm)
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Widnes will have much bigger fights to contest in the coming weeks but there is no end in sight to their losing run after being nilled at Leeds for a 15th consecutive defeat. It was always going to be a tough season and Lady Luck has certainly done them no favours either, and they look likely to be playing in the Championship next season.
A win could change everything, but it will take a remarkable effort to get that against a Castleford side who were poor last week against Huddersfield but still have plenty of talent and something to fight for as they eye the top two.
In February this contest was an extremely tight one but times have certainly changed since then. When Cas hit their groove they are a frightening side to face, and Sunday could become one of those afternoons.
Prediction: Widnes Vikings 6-40 Castleford Tigers
