Round 16 predictions

22 Jun 2022

Round 16 predictions

St Helens v Leeds Rhinos

The Champions will go into this Round 16 clash as overwhelming favourites after beating the Rhinos in their last 10 meetings. It’s been over four years since Leeds last tasted victory against their old enemy and face a Saints side yet to lose a home game this season.

Of course, Saints are beatable. It’s been proven in both the league and cup – but it won’t be easy. Despite Rohan Smith welcoming several stars back to his squad this week, Saints are a tremendous side that rarely have an off day.

The Totally Wicked Stadium has been a fortress for St Helens this year and although the Rhinos may put up a fight, it will be difficult to overcome the Champions.

Prediction: Saints by 12

Warrington Wolves v Hull FC

It’s been a season to forget so far for Warrington, yet they still remain in with a chance of making the top six. Based on current form, however, that may be a stretch. The Wolves have lost their last five and desperately need a change in fortunes soon. But a win on Friday Night could well swing momentum back in their favour.

They come up against a Hull FC side that have fallen into a slight slump themselves. Nevertheless, the Black & Whites remain in the top six and have shown enough promise to suggest they can maintain their position in the top half of the table for the rest of the season.

Previous meetings between these two sides suggest that anything could happen on Friday Night.

Prediction: Wolves by 4

Wigan Warriors v Toulouse

Wigan return home for the first time since Round 10 when they face Toulouse on Friday Night. It will also be their first home game since their Challenge Cup heroics last month, giving a reason for celebration heading into the Round 16 clash.

The Warriors will be full of confidence after winning their past two fixtures following their Challenge Cup Final win and face a Toulouse side that have struggled to turn close contests into wins. In fact, the last time these sides met, Toulouse let a 12-point lead slip – a Harry Smith drop goal enough to earn Wigan the win.

Although Toulouse have only won at home this season, their last away outing should bring them confidence heading into this one. But it may not be enough to overturn a confident Wigan side.

Prediction: Warriors by 10

Salford Red Devils v Wakefield Trinity

Momentum is firmly on Wakefield’s side after two important wins in consecutive weeks, whilst Salford have suffered two defeats to leave them level on points with Trinity. Both sides have plenty of breathing space from bottom place Toulouse, but a win on Sunday will further solidify their position in the competition.

It’s a game both teams will be confident of winning. Despite Salford’s recent run of form, they tend to perform better at home – although their Round 15 clash with Wigan didn’t back that up. Wakefield have won their league games in clusters this year – their only other wins before the last two rounds came in quick succession and they’ll be hoping to imitate that again.

Home advantage could well be the difference in this one.

Prediction: Red Devils by 1

Hull KR v Huddersfield Giants

Huddersfield have been in a rich vein of form in the league over the past couple of months. Ian Watson’s side have won their last five in Betfred Super League and sit comfortably in fourth place. They make the trip to Hull KR on Sunday in front of the Sky cameras in what should be a closely fought contest between two good sides.

The Robins hit some turbulence following the announcement of Tony Smith’s departure but are starting to rekindle some of their 2021 form. Although they fell short against St Helens last time out, Hull KR were much improved and should cause the Giants some problems on Sunday.

Craven Park is always a tough place to go - Huddersfield will need to be at their best to get a result in Round 16.

Prediction: Giants by 2

Castleford Tigers v Catalans Dragons

Castleford have been consistently inconsistent this year but find themselves in the top six just over halfway through the season. They’ve fared better at the Jungle, too – losing just two of their seven home games in 2022. And that should give them confidence ahead of a tough battle with last season’s league leaders.

The Dragons have already lost the same number of league games this year then they did throughout 2021. Despite that, they remain in second place and are one of a small group of teams that look like genuine title contenders.

Catalans have won their last five meetings with Cas and will be favourites heading into this one.

Prediction: Dragons by 10