Round 6 predictions

Wigan Warriors v Castleford Tigers

The Warriors suffered their first defeat of 2022 away at Catalans last week, whilst Cas let a lead slip at Huddersfield as they remain with just the one solitary win so far this year.

The writing was perhaps on the wall for Wigan at Catalans in Round 5 – they stuttered past Toulouse a week earlier and faced a Dragons side getting better each week. It’s the first time Matt Peet has tasted defeat since taking charge at Wigan and it will be interesting to see how his side respond on Thursday.

Castleford have lost all three of their away fixtures this season and go into Round 6 as 18/5 outsiders with Betfred. Despite Wigan losing their starting front row through suspension, expect a response from Matt Peet’s side.

Prediction: Warriors by 12

Catalans Dragons v Hull KR

After a minor blip in Round 1, the Dragons have reminded the rest of the competition of their credentials. They put the sword to the Warriors in Round 5 and have another game in front of their home fans this week.

Importantly, Catalans spine looks like it is starting to tick. Mitchell Pearce is growing in influence alongside the ever-reliable Sam Tomkins and Josh Drinkwater, whilst Micky McIlorum and Ben Garcia have been industrious in the middle. It will be a tough ask for the Robins on Friday Night but after a win away at Salford last week and some standout performers of their own, they will be quietly confident.

Given Catalans gradual improvements since the opening round, it’s hard to look past a convincing home win.

Prediction: Dragons by 16

??? @DragonsOfficiel put in the work during Round 5 😤#SuperLeague | @catapultsports pic.twitter.com/sPyLn4ZJSW
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 15, 2022

Salford Red Devils v Leeds Rhinos

Leeds were on the receiving end of a shock defeat last week after being well beaten at home by a depleted Hull FC side. The loss re-emphasised their inconsistency this year and pressure is building to turn their slow start around.

Salford themselves started the year well with two convincing wins but since then, have struggled for consistency. Paul Rowley's side have conceded an average of 36 point across their last three games - and Friday’s encounter will be a battle between two sides desperate to get their season back up and running.

The Rhinos were beaten both up front and from individual brilliance last week, but should fare better against Salford on Friday.

Prediction: Rhinos by 6

Warrington Wolves v Wakefield Trinity

Betfred Super League returns to Channel 4 on Saturday. The Wolves early season momentum has been halted over the past fortnight after back-to-back defeats. It shouldn’t signal any major crisis despite those losses - with both defeats coming against last year’s Grand Finalists. It does give an early indication of where Warrington are, however, as they look to get back to winning ways against Wakefield.

Trinity finally got off the mark against fellow strugglers Toulouse last week and should use that win as motivation heading into Round 6. Willie Poching began his interim period in charge of Wakefield last season with a win against Warrington, so knows how to beat them.

Both teams will be raring to go and keen to put on a show this Saturday.

Prediction: Wolves by 10

🗣?? "I obsess about comedy in the same way rugby league players obsess about rugby league."@adamhillscomedy on the mindset similarities of comedians & rugby league players 💪@OutOfYourRL, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon & YouTube 🎙??

Watch now👇 #SuperLeague
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 15, 2022

Toulouse Olympique v St Helens

The last unbeaten side travel to the club yet to win in 2022. On paper, this should be pretty straight forward. Saints have been dominant early on, whilst Toulouse have struggled.

Saints will travel to France without a trio of forwards – Joe Batchelor and Alex Walmsley miss out through injury, whilst Sione Mata’utia is suspended. Walmsley and Mata’utia have been arguably their best forwards in 2022 and will be huge losses. Toulouse went close to winning during their last home game against Wigan and can take some confidence in that performance, despite not picking up any points.

It would take a huge effort from Toulouse – which certainly isn’t beneath them – to topple the Saints. But Kristian Woolf’s side are no push overs.

Prediction: Saints by 14

Hull FC v Huddersfield Giants

Both teams enjoyed wins last week and sit in the top six after five rounds. The Giants occupy second place and Ian Watson’s side will be slight favourites when they travel to Hull on Sunday.

Huddersfield’s spine looks dangerous this season and the form of players such as Tui Lolohea, Danny Levi and Olly Russell should put them in good stead for the remainder of the year. Hull FC showed great resolve to get past Leeds last week with Jake Connor running the show at full-back.

Connor will hope for another eye-catching display against his former club, but the Giants won't go down without a fight.

Prediction: Giants by 4