Round 18 predictions

Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers

The Rhinos were desperately unlucky to lose to a late George Williams drop goal in Round 17. Richard Agar’s side have looked much improved over the past month and will be hoping to keep their Play-Off spot when they face Cas on Friday.

Daryl Powell’s side were depleted against Huddersfield but welcome back a host of stars ahead of the short trip to Leeds. The Tigers form away from has been better than their form at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle and they’ll be looking for a strong response following last week’s defeat.

Leeds will be forced to change their halves pairing once again after Luke Gale picked up a one game suspension and, after a busy playing schedule, could fall short against a fresh Castleford team. 

Prediction: Tigers by 4

Wigan Warriors v Salford Red Devils

There was nothing between these two sides when they met at the AJ Bell earlier this year – a Jackson Hastings drop goal was a cruel ending to a spirited Salford effort.

Wigan are arguably a different team now – they have found their mojo again and with more first team stars returning to the squad, they will only get better.

Salford welcome a couple of big names back themselves but they could be in for a busy night at the DW Stadium on Friday.

Prediction: Warriors by 16

St Helens v Catalans Dragons

This should be a cracker - 1 v 2 in the Betfred Super League table. the Dragons have won their last 12 league games whilst the Saints looked at their devastating best against Hull FC on Monday.

Catalans will be without the in-form Sam Kasiano as well as the leagues top try assister Josh Drinkwater. That disruption will require James Maloney and Sam Tomkins to take charge, whilst the Dragons pack will be up against a powerful but mobile set of Saints forwards.

Despite the Dragons massively improved away form this season, the prospect of facing a high-flying Saints team at the Totally Wicked Stadium could mean it’s an unlucky 13 for the Dragons.

Prediction: Saints by 2

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Huddersfield Giants v Wakefield Trinity

Trinity find themselves in a a slump after winning just one game in their last seven. Now, a trip to the Giants beckons - Huddersfield have won their last two as Wakefield search for their first win since Round 11.

Ian Watson’s Giants side are quickly improving and there seems to be a growing togetherness around the squad. The emergence of youngsters such as Will Pryce & Oliver Russell alongside the addition of Nathan Peats has strengthened the Huddersfield spine and allowed for some continuity in the side.

Wakefield will be the fresher of the two sides after their game on Monday was postponed, but the Giants recent form will make it a tough ask for Trinity.

Prediction: Giants by 6

Warrington Wolves v Hull FC

It was a golden point draw when the Wolves and Hull FC met in Round 3. Since then, Warrington have lost just twice whilst FC have suffered six league defeats.

Both teams occupy a Play-Off spot and will be expected to remain there come the end of the season. The Wolves have shown great resolve in recent weeks and, at the risk of the cliched 'always their year tag', could be Grand Final contenders in 2021.

Conversely, the Black & Whites have had a dip in form, losing their last three. Brett Hodgson’s side showed glimpses of their potential against St Helens on Monday but come up against some stiff competition in Round 18.

Prediction: Wolves by 10

Leigh Centurions v Hull KR

Perhaps the surprise package of 2021, Hull KR have impressed this season - proving they can match the teams occupying higher positions in the table - particularly against Catalans in their last two games. The loss of Jordan Abdull and Adam Quinlan will hurt them – but they have more than enough in reserve to plough on.

Leigh on the other hand are struggling. Another big defeat against Wigan last time out means they are still without a win this season. And just as alarming is the fact they have conceded 39 points on average per game this year.

If the Centurions are to have any chance of changing their fortunes, their defence must improve. But that could be difficult against a flamboyant Rovers side.

Prediction: Rovers by 20