Round four & World Club Challenge predictions
20 Feb 2020
Hull KR vs Huddersfield Giants
OL: The Giants could go top of Super League with a win on Friday night and would be just reward for their excellent start to the season. Both of their wins so far have come away from home, and I think they get another on the road. KR were poor at Leeds last week but should at least be stronger at home. They still lose here, for me. Huddersfield by six.
WH: Huddersfield Giants to make it three wins out of three to start off their 2020 campaign. They showed grit and steel to pick up crucial points against Salford with Aidan Sezer directing the team on the pitch. KR were hammered away to Leeds. I can’t see them picking up points against Giants this week either.
Prediction: Huddersfield win by four points.
Sezer with a pinpoint assist, try-saver and a Man of the Match performance 🤩@Giantsrl #WePlayLeague #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/gbxVLgp4ol
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 17, 2020
Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Trinity
OL: There were contrasting fortunes for both these teams in round three. Trinity shocked a few, including me, with their win over Warrington. Castleford, on the other hand, limped to defeat in Perpignan. I fancy the roles to be reversed in this match with home advantage playing a major role in helping the Tigers to a win. Castleford by four points.
WH: It’s hard to predict a big rivalry game and I think this match could go right down to the wire. Wakefield picked up a crucial and surprising victory against Warrington at the Mobile Rocket in round three, whereas Castleford lost to Catalans. Danny Richardson could be a difference maker with his boot - a drop goal or penalty - to win the game for Daryl Powell’s men.
Prediction: Castleford by two points or a drop goal.
Warrington Wolves v Toronto Wolfpack
OL: Not much to think about with this one. Toronto are improving but are not yet strong enough to beat a side of the Wolves' calibre, who will be smarting after their loss last week. Warrington by 15-20 points.
WH: Last weekend’s loss against Wakefield was a shock for Warrington. They’ll host Toronto, the perfect game for Steve Price’s men to bounce back. Toronto will welcome back Sonny Bill Williams; their squad seems to be getting thinner by the week with more injuries sustained against Wigan.
Prediction: Warrington to win by more than 12
Salford Red Devils v Leeds Rhinos
OL: Inconsistency has been the story of both these team's opening few matches. Leeds were poor against Hull FC but excellent against Hull KR. Salford have shown some nice signs in patches but have lost two of their three games. I am leaning towards a Leeds victory because they have more match-winners in their side.
WH: It was a costly loss for Salford Red Devils in round three, Kevin Brown picked up late yellow card for a headbutt – he’s been suspended for two games. Leeds bounced back from their opening round loss to Hull FC by putting 52 points on Hull KR.
Prediction: Leeds to win by 10.
Wigan Warriors v Hull FC
OL: Wigan edge this. I am not really sure why as this match could go either way. I just fancy the Warriors to produce the goods at home. FC had a bit of a reality check against Saints, where they also picked up a few injuries, and I think they lose out by a couple of points in this match.
WH: A tough game to call. FC looked sharp in their first two games and for a half against Saints. Their second-half capitulation will be worrying for Lee Radford but there is an abundance of quality in their squad. I think it’ll be a similar encounter to last year at the DW, and Marc Sneyd could win it with a drop goal.
Prediction: The first Golden Point game of the season - Marc Sneyd with the drop goal to take Hull FC to victory.
World Club Challenge - St Helens v Sydney Roosters
OL: This should be a classic. Two fantastic outfits going toe-to-toe on a massive stage. Saints could well catch the Roosters cold considering the Australian side have not played a competitive match yet in 2020. However, I cannot look past the Roosters. They possess so much quality and win back-to-back World Club Challenges on Saturday night.
WH: The 2020 World Club Challenge is St Helens’ Kristian Woolf first opportunity at winning some silverware. Hopefully, Woolf will have a full-strength side with Tommy Makinson back fit to help his side to beat FC last week.
Prediction: St Helens by six points!
The Best vs The Best
Champion vs Champion#SuperLeague vs NRL@Saints1890 vs @sydneyroosters
Limited Tickets Available 👉 https://t.co/pc5Ypm74XW pic.twitter.com/7qDOKZx0WT
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 20, 2020
The Betfred World Club Challenge is a huge night in Rugby League which sees the Super League Champions, St Helens take on the NRL Champions, Sydney Roosters.
This year’s contest takes place at the Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens on Saturday 22 February (7:45pm KO). Secure your seat by visiting https://tickets.saintsrlfc.com/
