Round two predictions
6 Feb 2020
The opening round of the 2020 Betfred Super League provided fans with drama, entertainment and compelling rugby league.
Round two is set to be just as exciting as six teams look to continue their momentum, with the others hoping to get back on track after losing starts.
With this is mind, we at super league.co.uk have predicted who we think will emerge victorious.
Warrington Wolves v St Helens
OL: I thought both sides put in excellent performances in their opening games last week. Warrington were unlucky not to get a result at Wigan, and St Helens were so impressive against Salford, so this is a really tricky game to call. I’ll go with St Helens to nick it. They seem to have seamlessly transitioned their form over from last season and they should just about have too much for the Wolves on the night.
WH: Warrington Wolves will not be too disheartened with their opening night defeat against Wigan. They played most of the game with 12 players after Chris Hill’s deserved red card and there were plenty of positives for coach Steve Price to take from the game.
They couldn’t have asked for a tougher fixture in round two though. St Helens were dominant and didn’t look troubled last Friday. They’ll miss Lachlan Coote, but youngster Jack Welsby showed his class against Salford and he’ll step into Coote’s place.
St Helens win.
Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors
OL: Another match that could go either way. I am edging towards Wigan for a few reasons. Castleford are dealing with a fairly long injury list and will have only had a five-day preparation period for this match, compared to the Warriors’ eight. I think Wigan will improve on their round one performance, and this is another opportunity to put a marker down.
WH: We are only into round two and Castleford Tigers have a long injury list, with four players that played in Sunday’s win set to miss out because of injury. Wigan’s pack and flair players will be too much for Daryl Powell’s men and Bevan French will pick up another three Man of Steel points.
Hull FC v Hull KR
OL: This fixture is always one of the most eagerly anticipated of the season and it rarely fails to deliver. KR proved last week against Wakefield that, despite being relegation favourites, they won’t role over against any side. However, they have their work cut out away from home against their local rivals. Hull FC were the standout performers in round one and they should pick up another big win at the KCOM Stadium on Friday night.
WH: I think Hull KR surprised everyone with their win over Wakefield Trinity. The Hull derby always has fireworks but after watching FC dominate Leeds, it’s more likely that this game will be a repeat of last year’s Good Friday match (Hull FC 56-12 Hull KR), rather than Hull KR’s last minute win in the opening round of 2019.
.@hullfcofficial weren't playing about in the last derby 🔥
A 56-12 win made it 1-1 in the Hull derbies this season, tonight's #TheDecider live on Sky Sports Arena #SLHKRHul pic.twitter.com/64YoWKZlra
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 27, 2019
Salford Red Devils v Toronto Wolfpack
OL: Neither team played particularly well in their opening game and will want to get their season up and running with a win on Saturday. Toronto will improve as 2020 goes on, but I think Salford, at home, will prove too strong. It should be a decent atmosphere at the AJ Bell Stadium, with it being their first home game since the Grand Final, and Ian Watson’s team will have enough to get the job done.
WH: Both teams will be disappointed with their first game of the season. The Red Devils were humiliated against Saints and they’ll be low on confidence. Toronto showed glimpses of Super League quality, but they’ll need to drastically improve to be more competitive. Ian Watson will get the best out of his side this week and Salford will win in a close game.
Wakefield Trinity v Catalans Dragons
OL: I was expecting both these teams to be much better than they were in round one. Their fans would have been slightly worried with what they saw. However, the season is still young and there is an opportunity for one of them to put things right. I fancy Catalans. I know their away record is poor but I think they have too many quality performers to play as badly again.
WH: This is a tough one to call. Not many people expected Catalans to lose their home opener. Especially, so significantly. Catalans struggle away from France and they won’t find too many friends in the UK this year. Wakefield to win by six points.
Huddersfield Giants v Leeds Rhinos
OL: The Giants probably shocked a few with their win over Catalans in round one. Aidan Sezer was superb and could prove to be one of the signings of the season. Compare that to Leeds, who underwhelmed. Over the course of the season, the Rhinos might finish ahead of Simon Woolford’s side. But, on this occasion, Huddersfield are my pick to emerge victorious.
WH: If Aidan Sezer leads Huddersfield like he did in Perpignan in round one, the Giants will pick up the two points. However, Leeds will be disappointed with their home opener and motivated to pick up their first two points. If Leeds lose, the players and coaches will start to feel the pressure very quickly.
By Oli Lathrope & Warren Holmes
