Round 19 predictions

St Helens v Castleford Tigers

The Tigers travel to Saints on Thursday in a repeat of the 2021 Betfred Challenge Cup final. Saints were victorious when the two sides met at Wembley and head into Round 19 after ending the Dragons 12 game winning run. Now, they will be looking to keep the pressure on Catalans as they chase top spot in Betfred Super League.

Daryl Powell welcomed some key players back during last weeks win against Leeds – the Tigers proving they're a match for any team when they’re at full strength. Cas have left themselves plenty to do if they want to reach the Play-Offs this year, but a win against Saints would go a long way to helping.

However, it’s hard to look past a Saints victory after a couple of dominant displays in their past two games.

Prediction: Saints by 10

Catalans Dragons v Hull FC

Hull FC have a depleted squad ahead of Friday’s clash with Catalans – there was speculation as to whether the game would go ahead following a Covid outbreak at the club. They will travel to the South of France undercooked and face a Dragons side hoping to rectify last weeks defeat to St Helens.

Catalans struggled down the middle last week but should fare better against Hull FC this week – the Dragons are still in control of their own destiny as they look to secure the League Leaders’ Shield.

Hull FC is far from guaranteed a Play-Off spot so will need to start winning games if they are to make the top 6 - but that could prove extremely difficult on Friday Night.

Prediction: Dragons by 18

Salford Red Devils v Huddersfield Giants

There appears to be a mini resurgence at the Giants after securing their third win on the bounce last week. Although unlikely, Huddersfield can still make the Play-Offs – it would take a near perfect run to get there, however.

That being said, there’s plenty to play for on Friday Night as Ian Watson goes back to the AJ Bell for the first time since leaving the club last season. The Red Devils players and fans will be desperate to get one over on their former coach.

The Giants are finding ways to win – evident during their comeback victory last week, whilst Salford are looking to bounce back after two defeats in a row. If it’s anything like their meeting earlier in the year, there will be little to separate the two.

Prediction: Giants by 2

Hull KR v Wigan Warriors

Friday’s televised game could be a cracker. Rovers earned a huge away win at Wigan when these two sides met in Round 10 and since then, it’s a been a rollercoaster couple of months for both teams.

The Robins are pushing for a Play-Off spot after a closely fought win at Leigh last week – they currently occupy fifth spot in what has been a huge turnaround since last season. Wigan have firmly escaped their slump in form - winning their last 2 - as they look to cement a top 4 spot. 

It’s fourth v fifth with plenty on the line in Round 19 and all the ingredients for an entertaining game.

Prediction: Warriors by 6

Leigh Centurions v Leeds Rhinos

It was heartbreak in Round 18 for the Centurions after coming agonisingly close to their first league win. Despite their efforts, that victory still evades them with just 7 rounds left in the season. Kurt Haggerty’s side have proved they can score points but are conceding far too many to give themselves a fighting chance.

The Rhinos will be desperate for a win after suffering back-to-back losses – they were second best against Castleford last time out and will be hoping for a response against Leigh.

With Luke Gale back and the potential of their first-choice half-backs playing together for the first time this year, it’s hard to see anything but a Leeds win.

Prediction: Rhinos by 20

Wakefield Trinity v Warrington Wolves

It’s going to be interesting to see the Trinity response after the club departed with Head Coach Chris Chester this week. Wakefield have won just 1 of their last 8 and are without a win in 5 games. You would expect a response from the players after poor showings in recent weeks.

In contrast, the Wolves have lost just 1 of their last 9 games and will be heavy favourites on Sunday. They were afforded a week off in Round 18 after Hull FC’s Covid outbreak, so should be fresh heading into the weekend.

Warrington look like a dangerous prospect in 2021 and will be tough to beat.

Prediction: Wolves by 16