Round 1 predictions
10 Feb 2022
We've been given the impossible task of predicting who will come out on top in the opening round... Bring It On!
St Helens v Catalans Dragons
What a game to kick things off! Saints and the Dragons were head and shoulders above the pack in 2021 and rightfully battled it out at Old Trafford in last season's Grand Final. Neither side has changed drastically during the off-season - but St Helens have arguably sustained the more important losses within their squad. Nevertheless, they've replaced those players with more quality and boast a formidable looking squad.
Catalans managed to beat Saints twice last season - once at home and again famously at Magic Weekend to secure the League Leaders' Shield. Saints however did beat the Dragons at home and of course, at Old Trafford. In fact, Catalans have failed to beat Saints at the Totally Wicked Stadium since April 2016 and will be difficult to beat on home soil - Betfred make the Champions 1/3 favourites heading into Thursday Night.
That being said, Catalans will be out to avenge that faithful night in October and proved to be a different beast on the road last season. Mitchell Pearce should fit seamlessly into the Dragons spine and their tough forwards will lay down the gauntlet against an impressive Saints pack. This one could genuinely go either way.
Prediction: Dragons by 1
Today is the day ??
We're back!!! @Saints1890 v @DragonsOfficiel live on @SkySportsRL tonight, 8pm kick-off
Let's go 💪 #BringItOn #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/qqzoHvvhxp
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 10, 2022
Castleford Tigers v Salford Red Devils
This is an interesting one. Cas and Salford have been two of the most active clubs in terms of recruitment during the off-season. It's a new beginning for both teams with new men in charge and plenty of new faces in their 2022 squad. There will be some obvious growing pains at the start of the season and it may take time for both teams to gel, but there's a host of exciting talent in each camp that should make this game a cracker.
The battle between the spines could be key - both sides have exceptional talent in their spine that can steer their teams around the park. There's not much between the both clubs playmakers so a lot could depend on who turns up with the greater will on the day.
Salford showed up really well in the off-season and their new arrivals will undoubtedly have a positive influence on their year, but Cas could be difficult to beat - especially in front of a raucous home crowd.
Prediction: Tigers by 6
Hull KR v Wigan Warriors
A contest between two sides that had contrasting endings to their 2021 campaigns. Hull KR were the surprise package last season - few envisaged a run which culminated in the Robins being 80 minutes away from Old Trafford. And after the Warriors unbeaten start to 2021, they stuttered into the Play-Offs and exited disappointingly at the first hurdle.
Wigan look refreshed this year - Matt Peet has injected new ideas, a focus on culture and a concerted effort to connect with the local community, and it looks to paying dividends early on. The Warriors have bulked up their forward pack with two strong acquisitions and replaced Jackson Hastings in the halves ready for the new season. They will be a different beast in 2022 and a lot better than their end of year form last season.
The Robins themselves are going from strength to strength. Tony Smith has worked wonders at the Club and Lachlan Coote brings with him leadership, experience and a winning mentality. He also joins a Hull KR side that beat Wigan in both their meetings last season. And Wigan certainly won't have forgotten that.
Prediction: Warriors by 4
Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves
A ground-breaking first for Super League - this mouth-watering clash will be showcased on terrestrial television courtesy of Channel 4! Daryl Powell's eagerly anticipated first competitive game in charge is a tough one - a trip to Leeds beckons and the Rhinos have assembled a squad capable of challenging at the top this year.
The Rhinos have hit a minor bump in the road ahead of Round 1 following the news that Blake Austin will serve a one match ban, meaning he will miss facing his old club on Saturday. It puts a slight dent in their preparations but Richard Agar has more than enough talent to fill the void. Aidan Sezer will be front and centre on Saturday Afternoon - he'll be taking on two of the competition's best halves in George Williams and Gareth Widdop.
There was only a drop-goal between the two sides when they met at Headingley last season and chances are there won't be much to separate them this time, either.
Prediction: Rhinos by 1
.@Betfred #SuperLeague is coming to @Channel4 🤩
1 week to go 🔥 BRING. IT. ON. 🤯
??? @leedsrhinos v @WarringtonRLFC
📅 Saturday 12 February
??? 12:30pm KO
📺 @C4Sport#BringItOn pic.twitter.com/KbFcMZ4Uvi
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 5, 2022
Toulouse Olympique v Huddersfield Giants
History in the making. Toulouse will play their first Super League fixture when they welcome Huddersfield Giants to the Stade Ernest Wallon. It will be an emotional affair on Saturday evening and Toulouse will be determined to start life in the topflight with a win. But, Huddersfield won't make it easy.
The Giants have made some astute signings and look a more well-rounded side this year. Their new halves pairing may take time to embed into the side, but they have enough quality to be a threat in Round One. Toulouse on the other hand are a relative unknown. They have players with Super League experience and others that are preparing to take the competition by storm. Their squad is pretty trim and they will be reliant on their experienced stars having big seasons.
It won't be easy for Toulouse this year and the Giants are more than capable of doing the business on the opening night in France - just like they did in 2020.
Prediction: Giants by 10.
Wakefield Trinity v Hull FC
Two teams more than familiar with one another. Trinity were victorious when the two sides met in the final round last season - it capped off a hugely successful stint as interim head coach for Willie Poching. He will be hoping that Trinity's end of year form translates into a fast start to the new campaign.
Hull FC have been tampered with injury worries before the new season has even begun. Jake Connor is a doubt for the Black & Whites with a hand injury - he is their point of difference in attack and a key loss if he isn't fit. Brett Hodgson will be confident he has enough quality in his side to get the two points, and Hull FC did start well in 2021.
Despite Trinity's impressive end of season run, Hull FC will be determined to avenge their final day defeat.
Prediction: Hull FC by 6
